Welcome!
"While studying art in college in the 70's I noticed that historically the progress of realism was interrupted in the 1800’s by impressionism and in the 1900’s by abstract painting. Realism back then was frowned upon but some of us rebellious young artists were captivated by the hyper-realists and I’ve attempted to follow that course throughout my career. Apart from simply making something look real, I strive to express passion through the use of dramatic color and composition."
"Whatever you do, work from the soul, as to the Lord."
Colossians 3:23
Robert Bucknell is an award winning artist with a long career in commercial art. Born in Colorado and raised in Sacramento, he began painting signs and murals while studying art in college in the early 70’s. He was inspired and influenced by the realism style of painting of Ralph Goings and the 20th Century American Illustrators.
After moving his family to Carson City, Nevada in the late 80’s he established Bucknell Arts with his wife Diane, later transitioning into full time mural painting. They spent more than 20 years traveling throughout the US and also South Africa painting large scale landscape and wildlife murals for natural history exhibits. Robert’s murals have been displayed in public, residential, and commercial places, including more than 30 Cabela's Sporting Goods Stores.
Now retired from mural painting, he has turned his attention back to studio oil painting with a preference for Still Life hyper-realism. He has earned recognition and numerous awards from Plein Air Magazine, NOAPS, and other International and local competitions. He is a member of the International Guild of Realism, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and is guest contributor for Realism Today magazine.
MEMBERSHIPS
international Guild of Realism
National Oil and Acrylic Painters society
GALLERIES & EXHIBITS
December 12, 2024
hosted by t h Brennen Fine Arts
Scottsdale, AZ
Genoa, Nevada
Nevada State Legislature
401 S Carson St, 2nd Floor Carson City, NV
February 6 - June 5 2023
Nevada Artists Association Gallery
Spirit of America Show
June 17 - July 28 2023
New Years Show - Featured Artist
January 1, 2023 - February 10, 2023
Brewery Arts Center
449 W King St - Carson City, NV
RECENT AWARDS
2024: Camelback Gallery - Realism - Gold Award (Retro Roast)
2024: Plein Air Magazine - August International Salon: Best Still Life (Coffee Time It is)
2024: Plein Air Magazine - April International Salon: 2nd Place Overall - (Afternoon Tea)
2024: Plein Air Magazine - April International Salon: Best Water (Living Water-Lake Tahoe)
2024: Camelback Gallery: Figurative Painting: Silver (The Immigrant)
2024: Camelback Gallery: Figurative Painting: Bronze (High Bear)
2023: Plein Air Magazine - April International Salon: Best Still Life (Morning Coffee)
2023: National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society: Spring International Online Exhibit:
Best use of Light and Color (Morning Coffee)
2023: Plein Air Magazine: March International Salon: Best Landscape (Job's Peak- Genoa, Nevada)
2023: PleinAir Magazine - March International Salon: Honorable Mention (Living Water)
2023: PleinAir Magazine - March International Salon: Honorable Mention (Fire & Ice - Sand Harbor)
2023 Art Masters : Top Art Award March - 4th Place - (Black Forest Beauty)
Nevada Artists Association Gallery Exhibits
2023: Spirit of America Show: Best of Show & People's Choice (American Beauty)
2023: Nevada Artist's Assoc. - New Years Show: People's Choice Award (Fire & Ice)
2023: - Winter Show - Nevada Artists Assoc.: 1st Place in Oil painting (Number Eight)
2022: Nevada Day Show, Nevada Artist's Assoc.: Best of Show (Fire & Ice)
