Artist Statement
My passion for art began at an early age during visits to a neighborhood artist in Newport, Rhode Island. This led to training as an illustrator in the US Air Force and continued as a graphic artist in the Boston area.
After studying with renowned pastelist and teacher, Albert Handell at drawing and pastel workshops in Woodstock, New York, the focus of my work was portraits of children and animals. I continued in this genre for many years.
While a student of the late David Ratner and John Evans, both renowned artists, my passion turned to oil painting. This medium allows me to build paintings with texture, using palette knives, brayers and various size brushes.
My fascination with the ocean continues to inspire my work. I enjoy searching the New England and Eastern Shore coastlines to find subjects that display a mood that will transform into a painting.
Looking into a tidal pool or the reflection of a small boat on the water gives me an emotional feeling of calm. The colors produced by the boat, sky, or water and sand enrich the scene. Shadows on the sand or reflections and shadows on the water are ever changing, and finding these painting opportunities is exciting and priceless for me.
Visit www.robfranco.com for more information.