Robert Simone studied drawing and painting at the Ohio University College of Fine Arts from 1975-78.  Robert studied the painting techniques of the old masters with portrait artist Luis De La Lama.  He also attended a figure drawing workshop with Anthony Ryder and a Plein Air painting workshop with Christopher Still.  Other influences include the works and writings of Emile Gruppe’, Foster Caddell, and Richard Schmid. Robert’s sense of color and light in the marine setting has led to his discovery by numerous private collectors.

 

Artist Statement

Fresh, vibrant and immediate, the direct painting method is an intense reaction to nature, a race against time and a journey into the extraordinary beauty of ordinary things.  Painting outside, I see and feel the character of my subject:  Boats in a marina seem like members of a family.  

 

I grew up on and around the water and even worked as a charter boat Captain so boatyards and marinas are natural places for me to paint.  I have become somewhat of a fixture at the boatyards around Salt Creek in St. Petersburg.  Bring your boat in for repair and it just may end up in a painting!

 

I am committed to Plein Air for Plein Air’s sake and will keep at it as long as I can because it is so much fun! 

   

 

Awards & Exhibitions

 

* St. Petersburg Artist Award of Excellence – 2005 “Paint the Town”

Paint Out sponsored byAlla Prima Fine Art, St. Petersburg, Florida

 

* Honorable Mention – 2005 “Paint the Town”

Paint Out sponsored by Alla Prima Fine Art, St. Petersburg, Florida

 

* Award of Merit – 2005 “

Paint Out” sponsored by Island Fine Art, Crescent Beach, Florida

 

* Juried into the 2005 “Small Works”

Show sponsored by Alla Prima Fine Art, St. Petersburg, Florida

 

* Exhibited in the 2004 “After Monet”

Show sponsored by Alla Prima Fine Art, St. Petersburg, Florida

 

Memberships

 

* Signature Membership in Plein Air Florida (Juried Acceptance)

 

* Professional Membership in St. Petersburg Center for the Arts

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