Artists' Quarter

Robert paints only the animals and birds he has been able to study closely. Through practically living with these subjects, his paintings and drawings are able to convey a completeness that evades many artists. ‘The only thing you don’t get is the smell!’ smiles Robert. 

Detail from Woodpecker.

Expertly taken photographs support the detail in Robert’s paintings but the ‘subject’ will have received days or weeks of careful observation, often unknowingly. Nature hides feature strongly on Robert’s agenda and allow him the privilege of close observation. ‘I once had my water bottle freeze during a 4am start to watch the lekking of Black Grouse on a bleak Scottish moor', says the Yorkshire artist. 

Robert has spent his life observing the natural world around him. From his earliest childhood his interest within the closer confines of the garden in the birds, mammals and pond creatures was outstanding. Here he developed a keen eye, incredible patience and the skill of allowing nature to come to you.

With age he developed a burning desire to travel further afield, first to the limits of the farm at Givendale, rich in mammals, birds and plants; later to the wilder parts of the British Isles and eventually across continents.

Detail from Squirrel Nutkin.

Now, Robert lives and works at Fotherdale Farm, just outside the village of Thixendale. The gallery at Fotherdale Farm was converted from redundant farm buildings next to his home, giving him the ideal space to showcase his work.

The gallery was built in 2001 with the help of a Rural Enterprise Scheme grant from DEFRA. There is plenty of wildlife around Fotherdale and it is there where he photographs the majority of animals and birds, which he then goes on to paint later in his studio.