Meet The Artist
Photo Gallery
Rob’s Story
Rob Waters is a Southern California native, now living in Tucson, AZ. He has been drawing since childhood, and painting since art school days. His subject matter is mostly landscape, the human form and still life. Rob paints and draws from life and from his personal photos in studio.
He did undergraduate studies at Pt. Loma College, San Diego; studied illustration at the highly regarded Art Center College of Design, Pasadena CA; participated in drawing groups, such as The Art Students League, NYC; the Palette and Chisel, Chicago; the Drawing Studio, Tucson, AZ. Privately collected across the U.S. Rob is also an award-winning, Graphic Designer in Marketing/Promotions. Select clients include: WK Kellogg Company, HSBC Bank, Murad Skin Care, Southwest Airlines, JP Morgan Chase and Company, Joffrey Ballet and United States Postal Service. He has worked with The Metropolitan Opera, Christie’s Auction House, Ventana Medical Systems (Roche Molecular) and Arizona Public Media...
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
I’m a SoCal native, originally from Ontario, California. That’s where my artistic journey began, under the warm California sun.
Tell us about your family
I had the privilege of growing up in a family of four. My mom, a remarkable 101 years old and still going strong, and my dad, who sadly passed away in 2015, provided a loving and supportive environment. My brother now resides in North Carolina with his wife, Sally. We had our fair share of adventures, and their support played a crucial role in my artistic pursuits. Today, my immediate family consists of my partner, Robert, and myself. We’ve been on quite the ride together for 37 years, and we’re far from done with our adventures.
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them
While we don’t have any furry companions at the moment, we used to share our lives with two magnificent Bengal cats. We said our goodbyes to the last one in June of 2023, and we still carry his memory with us. That Bengal left paw prints on our hearts that we’ll never forget.
When did you know that you would be an artist?
My journey as an artist began with a childhood love for drawing. Back then, I couldn’t predict where this passion would take me. Formal training at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA, honed my skills. I spent years as a Graphic Designer, but I never lost my connection to drawing. It wasn’t until I rekindled my love for painting in 2005 that I truly embraced the title of an artist. Painting allowed me to explore my deep-seated love for oil, watercolor, and drawing.
What is your favorite media to work with?
Choosing a favorite artistic medium is like picking a favorite star in the sky – each shines uniquely. The immediacy of pen and ink sketchbook drawings always fascinates me. Watercolor, oil on canvas, and drawing have all brought me immense fulfillment over the years.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do?
Life outside my art studio is a colorful tapestry of interests. I’m a partner in culinary adventures with Robert, where he’s the chef extraordinaire, and I play the role of the trusty sous chef. Music has always been a part of my life; I used to be a singer and embraced choral work. Now, I’m content being an appreciative audience member, especially when it comes to musical theater. I even make pilgrimages to NYC to savor the magic of live theater. Museums and their world of visual arts captivate me. Traveling and seeking new experiences to expand my horizons keeps me engaged. Staying active and on the move is second nature to me – there’s always an adventure waiting to be had.