Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Beck.
Robert grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and left a career in the business world at the age of 40 to pursue painting, and subsequently attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. He maintains a gallery of his work in Lambertville, NJ. Robert Beck’s paintings have been the subject of three in-depth museum exhibitions: the James A. Michener Art Museum (1999), the City of Trenton Museum at Ellarslie (2007) and the Maine Maritime Museum (2016).
His paintings have been included in invitational exhibitions at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (Second Time Around, 2014), the James A Michener Museum (Local Theater Makes Good, 2014; River Painters, 2008), New Hope Arts (Continuum, 2012), The Gratz Gallery (Then And Now, 2010), Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (American Artists, 2006), The Phillips Mill 75th Anniversary Retrospective (2004), and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (The Unbroken Line, 1997).
His work has been presented in 30 solo gallery exhibitions, including the National Arts Club (New York), the Rosenfeld Gallery (Philadelphia), the Morpeth Gallery (Pennington and Hopewell, New Jersey), and the Gallery of Robert Beck. His paintings have been accepted into more than 50 juried exhibitions. Robert has received 29 significant painting awards, was a finalist for the Pew Fellowship in 2000, and in 2014 was awarded the PSC Medal for Excellence and Contribution to the Arts by the Philadelphia Sketch Club, the oldest arts club in America.
Robert is a teacher, a curator, a lecturer and a writer, and he has hosted a radio interview program. His column on his art-related experiences, entitled “A Thousand Words”, has appeared monthly in ICON Magazine for more than a decade. Robert is known for painting in series – multiple images addressing diverse aspects of the same subject. These “visual essays” include work created while traveling the Mississippi River on a towboat pushing barges, amidst a symphony orchestra during its performances, with a racing team in Europe, and traveling with doctors in Senegal.
His paintings depicting life in the Maine Maritime community are his largest body of work with a single focus. His subjects vary, but the common thread in all of his images is viewpoint: the description of his encounter. Concentrating on events, occupations and environments, his paintings are a chronicle of our time.
Great, 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?
Making a living as an artist is difficult. Creative and commercial issues are always in conflict. Having left a career in business to paint at age 40, I determined that I would concentrate on work that I found satisfying, constantly take risks to become a better painter, invest in my reputation, and give back to my community.
Located between New York and Philadelphia, Bucks County has a long history of creativity in all disciplines and a large supportive community, which was crucial to my success. Many people helped me establish myself over the last 25 years, providing opportunities, encouragement, and inspiration. It hasn’t been easy, and there have been disappointments, but the road had been wonderfully fulfilling.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Solebury Studio (Gallery of Robert Beck) – what should we know?
In the first decades of my career, I was known most for painting from life. I created visual essays, painting a number of images based on a single subject or idea. I painted in hospital operating rooms, sports event, performances, places where people worked; aspects today’s occupations, artifacts, and events. I used the traditional technique to examine contemporary times.
During the last decade, I have concentrated more on composing images that address the shared understandings located layers beneath the traditions, conventions, and morés of our culture. I’m not trying to reveal hidden meanings – just sharing our common awareness. I have written a monthly column for ICON Magazine for the last dozen years that addresses much the same concepts.
Like all mature artists, I have my own voice, style, and process. I am not interested in duplication. The great enjoyment is in discovering things that I never thought I could do.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Focus.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robertbeck.net
- Phone: 215-982-0074
- Email: robert@robertbeck.net
- Instagram: painterbob30
- Facebook: facebook.com/robert.beck.52
- Twitter: @robertbeckart
Image Credit:
Bob Krist
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