Paint Running Through His Veins
By Pasadena Independent
Published: Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Sherrill captured in watercolor the corner of Sierra Madre Boulevard and Baldwin Avenue.
Two Exhibitions Feature Local Artist’s Work
“I think of shape, value, color and edges . . . in that order,” artist Robert Sherrill explains his process, “regardless of the medium.” Graduating from Art Center College of Design in the early 1990s where he had studied oil painting, Sherrill embarked on a career in fine art painting and teaching. Along the way he taught himself the techniques unique to watercolor. “I learned in oil, but then I just started flowing into watercolor.”
Sherrill says he was “pulled into commercial art,” working on animation backgrounds and murals. “It was a good career for about eight years. I even had my own company for awhile.” But with the advent of computer technology and programs such as Photoshop, most of that work dissipated and he returned to his roots. “This was good in a poetic way.”
Currently he balances teaching at Art Center and Creative Arts Group in Sierra Madre with painting portraits, landscapes, still life and architecture. Many of these works are commissioned.
“I am comfortable with both the oil and watercolor mediums. I love the thickness of oil—like butter or icing. It is a very opaque experience,” Sherrill explains. “What I love about watercolor is it is so organic . . . in keeping with who we are. I like to see paint that can be loose and yet controlled. I can be specific and then let the paint do its thing.
Robert Sherrill's "Angels" oil painting was chosen to be a part of the prestigious Pasadena Museum of History "Artistic Eden II" exhibition.
“Teaching and painting are so harmonious. I like that vibe. I’m always learning. It is a good cycle. Through trial and error I’ve learned a lot and I feel can pass that on to my students.”
Some of Sherrill’s ability is genetic. His grandfather was a successful artist in Bruges, Belgium who studied at Beaux Arts in Paris and the Royal Academy. “Then he decided to come to America where he met my grandmother.”
Despite a difficult childhood, growing up in different foster homes until he was placed at 10 years old in his cousins’ home (”they are wonderful people”), Sherrill “lost [himself] in nature, art and science,” which helped him “get through everything.”
This early-born love of nature is beautifully reflected in his art.
“My Merino Valley High School art teacher, Mrs. Lesser, was my greatest influence. She spent her own money for supplies. She was big on fundamentals, but she also encouraged experimentation,” he recalls. “She took us on field trips which is how I found out about Art Center.”
Unaware of Pasadena’s rich cultural and artistic heritage prior to his college studies, Sherrill felt an immediate affinity for the area and has remained a resident ever since. He draws inspiration from the splendid historic architecture as well as the mountain refuges such as Eaton Canyon.
This still life watercolor is the centerpiece of Robert Sherrill's work currently exhibited at the Creative Arts Group Jameson Gallery.
Last summer Sherrill was among the many artists invited to be a part of the “Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden” exhibition at Pasadena Museum of History, the brainchild of a consortium of fine art galleries in the San Gabriel Valley to bring attention to the area as a fine art destination. His captivating rendering in oil of Angels School Supply was selected to join the work of 46 other artists in “Artistic Eden II” which opened on January 31 and continues through April 11.
Chosen as one of three featured artists for Creative Arts Group latest exhibition at the Jameson Gallery this winter, Sherrill was also given an opportunity to display five of his watercolors including a vivid still life, two Sierra Madre scenes and two pieces depicting Eaton Canyon. The exhibition opened on Friday, February 20 and continues through March 24.
“Contemporary Masters, Artistic Eden II: Scenes of Contemporary Life in the San Gabriel Valley” is open for public viewing from 12 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena 91103. Admission is $5 General, $4 Seniors & Students (with I.D.), free to children under 12.
Jameson Gallery & Gift Shop, located at 108 N. Baldwin Avenue is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
BY CANDYCE COLUMBUS
Call 626-796-1468 for more information about Robert Sherrill and to see more examples of his work visit www.RobertSherrill.com.
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