Artist of the Month: Claude R. Robertson III

Claude Robertson has the best of two worlds. While enjoying his career as a stockbroker, he also has his life away from work where he and his wife Lynn Robertson spend their leisure time together painting in their in-house studio.

Mr. Robertson works in the fine arts using oils as his main medium and occasionally pastels. He does landscapes, still life, watercolor, portraiture, collage and colorful paintings on furniture. Some of his recent works have a Picasso quality to them, but he says this resemblance is not intentional.

At age 21, Claude wanted to learn to paint and proceeded to take painting workshops. He said, “My wife Lynn has the degree in Art and is the natural artist while I have had to work at my pieces. We met in a painting class and Lynn has been my teacher ever since.” Claude said jokingly, “…then I married her so I could continue learning.”

Mr. Robertson has just had an exhibit at the Chamber of Commerce, downtown in Bowling Green. He has also been in “The World’s Greatest Studio Tour & Sale” Houchens Gallery’s All KY Juried Show, Artifacts and the Trans Financial exhibit where he received a 1st place award.

“I have sold a few pieces and would like to have more time to paint but there is not time for making a living at doing this.” He has produced four paintings this year and tries to spend at least three to four hours a week in the studio. “For me, painting is a form of recreation that is totally absorbing. It’s different from the other daily routines.”

Claude said that he does not produce paintings for shows or sale, but to do them well for representation, to create something new from scratch, something unique. “I just go on and do it.” He has managed to get four paintings done since the beginning of the year. He explained that he likes to paint quickly, to get it down and get it right. “I like to push colors to be bold, being out there as far as I can reach, more than mundane, I like larger.” Mr. Robertson takes the time to really look at art. “My taste has improved as I become a more experienced observer.”

“As we are involved in the process of making art, we cannot even be sure that what we do is art. So we must be contented with the process and the joy it brings. When we first start we learn to look, then to see, and next to have some vision. As we work and look, our taste improves and this is reflected in the work. I feel that my best works started with an idea, but at some point the work takes over and moves in its own direction. For me, painting is about the process and the joy it gives me. When I try for anything more grand, I fail. So I try to paint boldly and with honesty. I would hope that my work reflects the joy of life I feel in doing it.”

Pictured works:

“Elysium” Oil on Masonite

“Still Life” Oil on Panel

“My Flowers” Works on Paper

“Colorado” Oil on Panel

“Christmas Party” Oil on Panel

Ronnie Jaggers has been a master crafter and fine artist for years. Her work can be seen on http://Chiseled-Features.com. She reminds other artists “Trust the beauty of your art, for if you see the beauty, others will too.” To be considered for the featured artist call Ronnie at 791-3505 or email ronnie@chiseled-features.com