Rob Franco, painter

"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 United States Air Force and continued as a graphic artist in the Boston area.

After studying with renowned artist and teacher, Albert Handell at drawing and pastel workshops in Woodstock, New York, the focus of my art was portraits of children and animals.

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 depth and texture into paintings using palette knifes, brayers and assorted brushes.

A fascination with the ocean and other bodies of water continues to inspire my work. I enjoy searching the New England and Eastern Shore coastlines to find boats and wildlife such as the Wild Assateague Island ponies, birds and sea creatures to paint.

Looking into a tidal pool or the reflection of a boat in the early morning or late day light gives me an emotional feeling of calm. Reflections on the water are fleeting and must be recorded quickly. The colors produced by the boat, sky and water are ever changing. Finding these painting opportunities is always exciting and priceless to me." - Rob Franco