Rob Franco
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 US Air Force and continued as a graphic artist in the Boston area.
After studying with renowned artist and teacher, Albert Handell at his 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 paintings with texture, using palette knifers, 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 the Eastern Shore coastlines during the early morning or late in the day to find boats with motionless reflections, soft light and muted color.
Looking into a tidal pool or the reflection of a boat on the water gives me an emotional feeling of calm. The colors produced by the boat, sky, water and sand enrich the scene. Reflections on the water are fleeting and the light and colors are ever changing. Finding these painting opportunities are is always exciting and priceless to me.
“Creating a work on canvas, panel or a three dimensional design challenges me to observe, record and develop a finished piece that first pleases me and then the viewer. Reflections on water, reflections of the past, are the themes that drive me to continue painting and developing new work. Art should be affordable and add to the enjoyment of the owner. It should always compliment its surroundings.”