Teachers, Mentors, Friends

Roberts Howard, "Double Self Portrait," oil

Many of us have fondness for those who gave us our starts, our teachers and mentors, and immense gratitude too. I certainly do.

Not ago we got word that Rob Howard has died after a long illness. Rob was well known in artist circles, especially for his online presence years ago on the old CompuServe Artists Forum and later on his stand alone Cennini Forum. In the early days of online communications among artists--aspiring, emerging, and professional--he provided thousands with counsel, instruction, and bracing honesty about art, aesthetics, art materials, and art techniques. He feuded with some and provided succor to others. He was opinionated but a listener, full of facts but never boring.

Roberts Howard, "Shantung," oil

Rob was an immensely talented professional painter in oil and gouache. His art career was mostly in illustration--book covers and so on--but he also produced sensitive portraits and dazzling figurative works.

Despite a prickly reputation Rob privately gave encouragement and support to many. He shepherded a number of people into professional careers and provided instruction online and in person to many who simply sought to learn to paint. For those folks he was gentle, and full of wisdom.

Roberts Howard, "The Bride," oil

In my own case Rob's forum gave me a place to post works to learn from and receive comments, a place to discuss art, and a place to hang out with others like me. His concise and clear discussions of everything from basic art materials to methods for glazing oils (among many others) were better than many a college lecture. His workshops were compact marvels of instruction and experiential learning. And through his forum and workshops came many enduring friendships.

Rob Howard was the quintessential mentor. I am proud he was my friend.