Robert Holewinski
Lake Mary, FL - United States
Robert Holewinski - Fine Artist
Member Since: 05/24/2011
After graduating high school I joined the US Army and while stationed in Korea I started painting during the evenings and on weekends as a way to pass the time. Most of the paintings were detailed studies of the Disney animated features. It was after I got out of the army in that I became fascinated by the paintings of Van Gogh, Monet, Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, and Whistler.
While living in Washington DC, I spent most weekends painting out in the Maryland and Virginia countryside. I would drive along small sometimes dirt roads until I came across the subject of my next painting. Parking my car on the side of the road, I placed my canvas flat on the hood of my car and began painting. It was this practice of painting flat rather than upright on an easel that I prefer even today.
Soon after that period I was married and had two daughters. I realized that I needed to find a more reliable career which led to my working as a creative product and package designer for Johnson & Johnson, and then, 15 years later, with The Walt Disney Company as a Product Design Manager. Working for Disney was a dream come true for me, something I had wanted to do ever since since I was five years old. During my years with Disney I worked on many exciting projects and can look back fondly on my time with Disney.
My paintings cover a broad range of styles and techniques, with my preferred medium being oil on heavy watercolor paper. Using paper rather than traditional canvas allows the paint to set and dry quicker, allowing for a faster painting and for paint 'drag' to occur. Brush strokes become more visible which is an important element in most of my paintings.
I enjoy exploring new and varied painting styles rather than locking into one technique or approach. Depending on the subject, the medium being used, and my mood, the finished artwork may depart from the style of the previous painting.
My artwork has been exhibited in Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. And I continue to do character paintings for The Walt Disney Company.
