Wildland Fire Fighter Painting

Artist’s Statement Robert works in watercolor utilizing ‘negative space’ to encourage the viewer to further explore the subject. Using previous experiences with the western lifestyle he incorporates the bond between a cowboy and his horse. His use of abstraction art challenges the viewer to study the slight nuances in his painting. Robert works at the USAF Academy Stables taking care of horses which allows him to study their movements and interactions. Process “I take photos and draw quick sketches to capture a moment in time.” The horse can be a willing subject, but as a prey animal they are not always accommodating. Our horses play an active part in our wounded warrior program. Our participants express that the response to the horse is life changing. I do light sketches on the watercolor paper; when using an other surface, the subject is painted directly. All of the products that I use are acid free.