My most memorable art experience was a two week art trek through the Lanquedoc region in southern France with three other artists. Painting on location in the mornings and afternoons, enjoying French cuisine in the evenings at various quaint restaurants, and sleeping each night in the restored medieval monastery...each day was magical. I had the unexpected and exceptional opportunity to demonstrate my portraiture at an art guild meeting in Limoux. Art appreciation overcame the language barrier. I painted the president of the guild and was honored when the group purchased the demo portrait.
In 1998, I traveled to New York for a workshop with famed portrait artist Daniel Greene. As I began painting the sitting model, Mr. Greene commented, “Your brushes are no good, you need to throw them all away and buy new ones.” I smiled and continued painting. Later, when passing by my station, he said, “Well, that’s Robert!” After all, art ability bypasses rules and tools, as I see it. When information passes from the eyes to the hand, most any type of instrument will do. At least that is what I tell my students!
I am very grateful for the natural skill in art and feel that God did indeed give me the talent to realistically interpret in a variety of mediums, what I see in a face, attitude and form.
