Mario Andres Robinson
Gerri, Graphite, 14 x17
MARIO ANDRES ROBINSON was born in Altus, OK and relocated to New Jersey with his family at age twelve. A fifth grade teacher discovered his artistic gift and a creative explosion sparked in the pre-teen. Mario Robinson went on to study at the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.
Mario looked early to the great masters for inspiration and technical insight. An avid student of realism, he studied elemental principles by exploring the technique of old masters like Rembrandt. But 19th and 20th century American artists gave him a strong stylistic foundation; he forged and defined his own sensibility.
Mario Andres Robinson’s work fits squarely within the tradition of American painting. His finished works bear close affinity to the tradition of realist masters Andrew Wyeth and Thomas Eakins. With few references to modern life, Mario’s work has a timeless, universal quality, and exhibits a distinct turn-of-the-century stylistic aesthetic. His bygone-era images refer to an abundant solitude and reflection and provoke frequent allusions to the paintings of Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper.
In 1994 Mr. Robinson began extensively to incorporate rural subjects, primarily in Alabama. Each subject is very personal for the artist in both selection and execution. As the work progresses, his relationship with the sitter develops and a uniquely personal story begins to evolve. Robinson frequently depicts family members and close friends, framed within the context of their daily lives. The underlying narrative counters sentimentality and serves as the underpinning for his figurative images.
A confluence of styles has exerted varying degrees of influence over Robinson, yet his individuality is evident. He exhibits exceptional technical proficiency in watercolor, pastel and oil. Mario continues to convey his vision of people and places in his immediate world: the rural venues he chooses to depict.
An Exhibiting Artist Member (EAM) of The National Arts Club Robinson is a signature member of The Pastel Society of America. In 2009, he represented Winsor & Newton products as featured artist. His work has been featured often in The Artist’s Magazine, The Pastel Journal, Watercolor Magazine and several others. In the February issue of The Artist’s Magazine, Mario was selected as one of the top realists under age 40.