Robert Watson ~ An American Artist: Discussions about the Artist

1951 Canvas.....

Wondering if anyone might know anything about an early painting of Robert's that my mother would like to sell.

My mother has a 10 x 14 signed painting of Robert's dated 1951. It depicts a pier with a boat house at end of the pier. It is dark and dreary in the blue and black tones. It was a gift to my mother from one of Robert's friends and avid early collector of his works whose name was Frank Schwabacher; he was a great connoisseur and collector of fine art and antiques. He donated some of his art and furniture to the Legion of Honor when he passed away. We think he purchased it from the Wallace Gallery, due to the article from the SF Examiner about the Gallery showing of his work attached to the back of the painting.
Please contact me if you know anything about this painting and what it might be worth. I believe David Fedeli posted pictures of the painting already, but I would be happy to email photos to anyone interested.
Thank you....

Lynn Barker
lpb1@cox.net

request for info

Does anyone know if this Robert Watson ever did any comercial work? Perhaps in his early years as an artist and did he ever work in watercolor. I have several watercolor studies that appear to have been done for maybe a book cover or a movie poster and one is definitely an add poster. All are signed with a monogram of an R superimposed over a W but at least one has the full name Robert Watson. Some of these may even be studies from art school. All appear to be 30s or 40s vintage. Any information would be truly appreciated.

Virginia Kendall
virginiakendall@comcast.net

Looking for a specific Watson painting

A long, long time ago a Watson was displayed in a small frame shop on Shattuck Ave in Berkeley, Ca. It was probably his most profound work. I would dearly love to see it again.

Description: roman arched causway with upper road stooped figure walking from right to left... on left is an intersecting wall with archway for the road to pass through. Beyond the wall/archway is oblivion.

Robert knew the painting when I described it to him and where it was... If anyone has any idea of the location of this piece I would love to hear from you.

Richard W. Parks
rwparks12@yahoo.com

Thank You Bob!!

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Bob Van Leuven for being the first person to make a donation to help defray the costs of building & maintaining this tribute site.

Any and all support in this area is appreciated beyond mere words.

Check out the MarketPlace, where Bob has begun listing some very nice items from his extensive collection.

David Fedeli
djf@djfedeli.com

The MarketPlace is OPEN!

Hey everyone, the Watson MarketPlace is now up and running. You can buy & sell Robert Watson artwork with no fees of any kind!

We considered a number of options to help with the costs of building, maintaining and hosting the site, but in the end felt that keeping it free was the best way to encourage others to take the leap and own a wonderful piece of magic by Robert Watson.

Good luck online!

David Fedeli
djf@djfedeli.com

Bob and Grand Canyon

Hi all, am working on a book about the river runners who were on the 1956 river trip Bob was on from Lee's Ferry to Phantom Ranch. If anyone has any stories they heard Bob tell about that river trip, i would really like to hear them. Thank you, tom martin tomhazel@grand-canyon.az.us 928-556-0742

Tom Martin
tomhazel@grand-canyon.az.us

Thank you

It has been a while since my father has passed; yet I think about him almost every day in one fashion or another. Thank you for your memories.

Elena

Great to see this - thank you!

I knew Robert in 1989-91 when he lived in Lake Havasu City. I would sometimes help him frame his paintings for shipping and he'd let me watch him paint. I have a couple of small paintings by him and one limited edition print, as well as a monk drawing that I really love, and an unfinished monk painting. He was a very cool person!

Nancy Wahn
nancwahn@telus.net

Mammoth Mountain Ca.

Does anyone know if Mr. Watson was in Mammoth Mountain Ca. the winter of 1966, if so it may be the same R. Watson who painted (water color) a winter scene for me as a gift. I still have it and I am now 76 years old. The photo of him, as I remember, looks a lot like the man who gave me the painting. I can upload a picture of it if you are interested. Respectfully, Faye

Faye J. Silvius

Congrats to you too Bob!

Thanks Bob!
You're right, I do miss Robert a lot. But I know many folks do too.

It took 5 years after Robert passed away before I started painting again, and I really wish I hadn't waited so long. When I'm painting, I can still feel him close by. I hear the things he used to say, and when I'm struggling I think of what he would tell me to do and it really helps me. I never thought it would be like that. It really makes painting a joy. He used to play classical music while he painted, and sometimes I do that too (in case he's listening!).

Net Dryer! Wow! That is a fabulous piece!! It has always been one of my favorite works of his. No matter how I try I just can't ever seem to capture that golden yellow sky like Robert. His work will just continue to amaze me til I die.

I hope you get a chance to look at some of my work at djfedeli.com and give me your feedback. I'd love to hear your opinions.

David Fedeli
djf@djfedeli.com

At last

Congratulations David,

It has been an long journey to get the site up and running. I was pleased to see the images I sent you so long ago included in the gallery. I am sure you miss Robert as often as I do having known him well during the last ten years. I am still collecting pieces when I can. Recently added Net Dryer to my collection as well as several others. Almost forty originals so far and know there is a cadre of fans of Robert's work desiring to know more if the discussion board on AskArt is any indication.

Bob Van Leuven

FINALLY... RobertWatsonArt.com is online!

Please take a moment to share your memories of Robert, or just ask a question about his work or his life. Anything to do with Robert Watson is welcome here!

This web site has been a labor of love. I've spent a tremendous amount of time and effort on it, for the sole purpose of paying tribute to a very generous man who had a big impact on my life.

There have been some big setbacks along the way, and I still have a LOT to do, but it is finally far enough along to post online. I hope together we can build a comprehensive story about Robert that can be shared among us and so many others.

DJ Fedeli
djf@djfedeli.com