Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Crombie.
Hi Robert, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I attended Cooper School of Art after high school. It was there that I found I had a talent for painting. Huge abstracts mostly, using acrylics and anything to put the colors on my canvas. After 2 years, I walked away from it and left the world of creativity behind for the most part. It was 30 years later that I began to paint again but using oils and producing landscape paintings. My interest was sparked by a visit with a friend to the Art Institute of Chicago. There was a very large exhibit of van Gogh’s work along with Paul Gauguin (Studio of the South, 2001). Vincent’s work moved me so deeply, I was wiping tears over several of his pieces. I had to paint again!!!
I am admittedly an obsessive person. Once, I used the oils and felt it on the brush and canvas. Saw the colors and how the moved over one and other, I was determined to learn, to play, to study and also be free of the final outcome! I began to let each landscape take on its own personality. It was one canvas after another with sometimes 2 or 3 others in the works as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing worth having or learning comes without disappointment, elation, struggle, and frustration along the way. I had too much pride and not enough money for classes, so I taught myself to paint as loose as I could, using wider brushes. It was difficult, but it slowly began to work. Drying time, making mud, patience, excitement over a new piece. It’s all part of the process. Even today, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning when I get out of bed, go to my studio to see what I did to the newest piece on the easel looks like! Great art doesn’t just happen. They evolve, sometimes they get entirely scraped off the canvas over frustration!
There is no bad idea. No terrible composition that can’t be reworked and developed into what it was meant to be. I learned to let go. Stop when I wasn’t feeling it. Prop up the piece in my living room and study it for corrections or a totally new direction.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Early on, I wanted to paint in the impressionistic style. I get bored easily, but this style locks me in. I always see something new. Gradually, over time, I began to use more and more paint. I use a palette knife and several sized brushes for the look I want each piece to have. Today, I would say that it’s the composition, subject, and use of thick paint that is my signature to others. That is what I hear about mostly.
These landscapes are mostly from photos I have taken in a dozen trips to the south of France over the past 22 years. It is a charming, inspiring, and old-world beauty. All of that got inside me, and I couldn’t wait to express it on canvas.
After 20 some years and over 1000 paintings, I am most proud of being inducted into the “Hall of Fame” at Chagrin Falls High School in 2023. After my numerous struggles all through school, the trouble I got in, and the chaos I created, this was literally a miracle in my life! There have been many awards, articles, talks, demos, and recognition, but the reward that is most important is the “gift” of creativity from God. Without this gift, there would never have been so many paintings in other homes and businesses. The friends I have made, the critiques my friends and I do even today. It’s all so rewarding and helpful.
Buyers and other art admirers have mentioned many times that they love the movement, the texture, contrast, and emotion felt toward my work. To coin a phrase of van Gogh’s to a hospital director after being asked why he loves to paint so much, he replied, “I like to paint, in fact, because when I do, I don’t think.” I get that, I truly get that. No worries, fears, or concerns are in my head when I paint. I merely react to colors, shapes and how they feel in my head. So, that is what others see is the time away I was able to have and its outcome. It is an emotional way of painting. All art is.
All of us painters are to one degree or another are set apart from the others by the soul in our work. No two of us are identical. It’s just not possible. Individuality is acquired, not manufactured. Style takes quite a while for most of us. I am very blessed to move so many people and create paintings that I love. No judge or other person can take that from me. All artists must work on their piece until they can stand back and be in awe of what just happened. That communicated to others, and it’s the only way to move forward.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My feelings about my work are what matters most. My interest, connection, and belief in my paintings matter the most. Others’ thoughts or criticism is sometimes appreciated if I ask, but how I feel inside is essential. I can’t frame a painting if I feel I could do better or just not give a damn.
What really makes me smile is the reaction of children to ward my work. “Wow, Mommy, look at THAT!!” It’s real, honest, and precious. I am extremely grateful for everyone who has been moved to purchase these works. It’s a blessing.
But truly, how I view my work is most important to my comfort and confidence.
Pricing:
- $595……11″x 14″
- $950……20″x 24″
- $1350- $3600 ……24″x 30″- 30″x 40″
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rhcrombie.com
- Facebook: Rob Crombie, Fine Artist
- Youtube: Rob or Robert Crombie. Several videos and slide shows.
Image Credits
Rob Crombie
