Robert Lemler’s students report that they see immediate improvement in their art under his instruction. Next year, in June 2014, Robert will be teaching a workshop at Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio on “Painting the Figurative Subject.” His course will focus on exploring the art of painting portraits, nude, and costumed subjects.
Recently we caught up with Robert and asked him to share with us a little about his art.
Q: When did your interest in art begin and how long have you been an artist?
A: My interest in drawing began at an early age. While in elementary school, I was encouraged to develop my interest in art and began occasional art classes. As a high school student, I won a scholastic competition sponsored by the Phoenix Illustrators Group which awarded the winners scholarships toward their educations. I then attended Northern Arizona University, majoring in painting and drawing. I never considered another educational path. I have worked as an artist and teacher my entire adult life.
Q: What do you seek to communicate through your art?
A: As an artist, I seek to interpret the visual characteristics of the motifs I chose to paint in a naturalistic manner. I hope to find a resonance of veracity that may be felt by those viewing my works.
Q: What drives you as an artist?
A: I am constantly driven as an artist by the desire to improve my skills while exploring the various motifs in which I am interested. I consider myself as primarily a figurative painter who also enjoys still life and landscape subjects.
Q: What is a recent piece of art you created and what inspired you to paint it?
A: Within the figurative subject, there are many possible interests to explore. In a recent painting of a seated nude subject I found interest in the dark tonality of a narrow depth of field. I was also interested in the further exploration of mylar as a painting ground.
Q: Do you have a favorite brand of paints, brushes, or canvas that you use?
A: I generally use good bristle brushes, Classens canvases, and Rembrandt or Utrecht oil paints.
Q: What advice do you have for artists seeking to improve their work?
A: I always encourage aspiring painters to explore various tools and materials and to build their skills painting from life as much as possible.
Q: What do you think is unique about Whidbey Island Fine Art Studio’s workshops?
A: I have not previously been to the Whidbey Island Art Studio but desired to teach there based on the quality of the program and the talented artists they work with.
