Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Crombie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Robert, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

It was at a solo show in a local library conference room. I was shocked that 4 pieces out of 20 sold! It was a true inspiration!

Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For most of us, the creative spirit is something we were born with. A gift the others didn’t poses. All through school I was preoccupied with drawing and creating. So much so that my grades in other classes suffered. I didn’t see the point. I was determined to be an artist.

I went to Cooper School of Art in Cleveland back in the 70’s. I was a pretty wild child so drawing and painting were great outlets for my energy and emotions. After 2.5 years, I walked away and took a much different route for 20 years, got married, divorced and had a career in sales which ate all my time. In 2001 I began to paint out of boredom and at the insistence of a good friend. I no longer wanted to do huge abstracts but landscapes appealed to me. So I started.

After a year, I was invited to have a solo show at a library in the conference room. It went well. Four pieces sold and it gave me the motivation I needed to try selling them. Long story short(er), I was blessed to sell hundreds of pieces over the past 21 years. I do shows, exhibits, juried shows and plein air events. This has all taken me to the South of France 12 times for subject matter and to paint plein air in some amazing settings.

I am rather obsessive and anxious so discipline and the motivation were just always there. With each new painting, I really try to learn something. Handle something differently. My obsession with trees came after seeing 100-3000 year old olive trees in Provence. I’ve always loved nature. It’s a spiritual thing for me. An antidepressant so to speak. When painting, I am at peace. I have nothing in my head but color, texture, composition, progression and peace of mind. All of these reasons and why painting is the drug of my choice.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

There are many reasons why I paint. I have always been attracted to beautiful people, things, views, sunshine, trees, gnarly landscapes, color and peace. I had no idea that all of those things would be in my life every day as an oil painter. I do this now because I have to. Once it is in your bones, you can’t wait to get on with the next piece.

This fulfills so many empty spots in life. Joni Mitchell has a song “A Case of You” where she sings “I am a lonely painter, I live in a box of paints. I’m frightened by the devil and I’m drawn to those who aren’t afraid”. Loneliness and fear disappear when painting.

I am a painter. I see and sometimes feel things differently than others. I’m ok with all of that now. Under the lights, the colors on my canvas, music playing, paint covered fingers and total calm and excitement fill me. What could be better than that?

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I began painting, I had nothing but the paintings themselves framed in straps of 1″x 2″ pine boards. There was no Fb, Instagram or other avenues, only a website for those who could afford one. I had no money for a website designer. So, after 3-4 years I used Yahoo to build one. Then as a few more years passed, I hired someone to make one for me. What I learned from that is that a nice looking, professional site gives me validity. A professional and successful image and a way for them to reach me. That is critical.

Many people don’t know if they are paying to much. If a painting seems very low priced, they wonder what’s wrong with it. I let new buyers that are nervous about a first purchase know, that all they need to know about art is that if they love it…it’s great art. Art collectors of course have a much deeper reason for their investments.

My reason for painting is to create something I love and barely want to part with. Then I have succeeded! I love it! No one can take that away from me. No judge, no viewer or critic. Art is very personal. And personally, I love what I am able and gifted to create.

Many artists can barter for a site. Save the money and buy the design work. Whatever you do and however you do it…get it done.

Contact Info:

• Website: rhcrombie.com
• Instagram: rob crombie@rcrombie777
• Facebook: Rob Crombie, Fine Artist

Image Credits
I don’t have any one else to credit