Robert Duncan has painted professionally for about 25 years. He
has worked as a commercial artist and for many years was dedicated
to the fine art of the great American West. Robert was
elected into the Cowboy Artists of America, and won two
silver medals in their annual exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum.
Robert, his wife Linda, and their 6 children live in northern Utah.
Renderosity is proud to present our interview with artist Robert
Duncan.
A Rough Start Robert Duncan
How did you begin your love affair with art? I started
painting when I was about four or five-years-old. My grandmother
had given me paints and free lessons. Then, I studied art at the
University of Utah. Do you have a favorite of your own work?
Yes, it's called Mother and son it is of my wife, and our son as
a baby.
Mother and Son Robert Duncan
Who are your favorite artists? That's a difficult question.
I like so many! I think I would choose turn of the century artists
like John Singer Sargent, Norman Rockwell, and N. C. Wyeth. I was
touched by N.C. Wyeth's letters to his family they were inspiring.
What else inspires you? Every day presents something new,
some new inspiration. People interacting with one another, and with
the environment. Home and family inspires me. Simple things are
more satisfying and yet profound. Things that make you reach inside
yourself and that give you peace.
A Quiet Place Robert Duncan
What is your favorite medium, and have you ever tried your hand
at digital art? Oil is what I have always used. As to digital
art not really, or not much. I did do a logo for a local trails
system on the computer. What is your impression of digital
art? For me, the difference in digital art and traditional art
is in what flows from hand to brush. Or, from the artist through
the brush. The heart doesn't come through. Now I am a huge fan of
Pixar and of the things the Studio's have accomplished. But
imperfections are missing those things that give the work
uniqueness. If you look at work that's been most historically
significant you, see that they may not be technically perfect, but
it's the connection between the artist and the brush. It will be
interesting to see where it goes. What are you working on
now? Paintings of my granddaughter and tulips; my granddaughter
and grandson pulling a sleigh; and a neighbor girl with a mason
jar. I've just returned from New England and will be doing some
scenes from there: fishing villages, flowers.
Lovers Robert Duncan
What would you like to paint that you haven't? I would paint
more in Europe. And, more figures without stories. I'm thinking of
the work of Gustav Klimt, the colors, the fabric, the women.
Companions Robert Duncan
Tell me about your characters, who are they? About 60% are
family, the rest are friends and neighbors in neighborhood
settings. How do you work, from photographs or memory? Both
I use photos and I paint out-of-doors to keep the colors true.
Sometimes I have people pose, and sometimes I paint from memory.
Menagerie Of Friends Robert Duncan
What advice would you give aspiring artists? Paint what
matters most to you early in your career. Don't think of yourself
as a student but as an artist. Study the basics and become
technically adept. Most importantly, find yourself! In closing,
what would you like to say to your many fans? The things I
paint aren't memories but things we can save if it's in our hearts.
I paint what is most important to me. I moved away from western art
years ago to paint what I wanted to paint the most. What I feel is
meaningful and important: beauty for the sake of beauty, for the
fun of it. I paint what I love.
'O Christmas Tree Robert Duncan
I also paint out of a concern that we are losing sight of the
things that have a profound impact on our souls and well-being. We
seem to be in a mad rush to progress, but there are some things
that haven't been improved upon for centuries. If each of us
contributes just a little, we can preserve the things that matter.
We all need nature in our lives. We need fresh air and open spaces.
All supporting images are copyright, and
cannot be
copied, printed, or reproduced in any manner without written
permission from Robert Duncan Studios
 On The Road With is a regular featured
column with Renderosity Staff Writer Vicki Shane [vshane]. |
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