Exhibit of portraits by Sam Robinson in South Hall
Written by Jackie Mintz
A new art exhibit has been installed by the Broadmead Arts Council: “All the World’s a Stage: A Retrospective of Portraits,” consisting of portraits and figures by Sam Robinson. Although Robinson is best known for his equine-related paintings, this exhibit presents an opportunity to see some of his work on other subjects.
A lecture and the formal opening of the exhibit took place on January 13 in the auditorium. The talk was given by Bobby Donovan, artistic advisor to the Arts Council. Robinson himself will discuss his work in March.
While Robinson generally works in a realistic style, the paintings in this exhibit are more impressionistic and looser than much of his other work. He looks for moments that that express feeling in the individual. “That feeling might not be obvious. It is more often a sense of presence I look for. Perhaps the ultimate portrait work is done in sittings from life.”
His favorite approach is the quick sketch, “allowing the roughness and expressive handling that speed brings to remain unpolished.” He explains, “Characterization and presence are my goal. Likeness is not the main point. All fine art is ultimately about feeling, not perfection.”
Robinson has twice received the Portrait Society of America’s “Best Portfolio” award. He has also won a Certificate of Merit in the International Portrait Competition and awards in plein air competitions in both Annapolis and Easton.
Robinson is the son of Broadmead residents Court and Sally Robinson. He was raised in Seoul, Korea, where his parents were medical missionaries. He returned with his family to Baltimore when he graduated from high school. He then studied art and graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).
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