Welcome!
Bio
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"While studying art in college in the early 70's I noticed that the progress of realism was interrupted in the 1800’s by impressionism and in the 1900’s by abstract painting. But I became captivated by the works of realists such as Ralph Goings, Alphonse Mucha, and the mid century American Illustrators. I've attempted to follow that expression throughout my career as a commercial artist, muralist, and fine artist.
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As a studio artist I enjoy the challenge of painting hyper-realistically because we "see" so very little of what we look at. But when you set out to paint every minute detail, you discover a fascinating new world. And aside from simply making something look real, I also try to express my artistic passion through the use of dramatic color and composition."​​
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" Colossians 3:23
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Robert Bucknell is an award winning artist with a long career in freelance commercial and commissioned work. Born in Colorado and raised in California, he began painting signs and murals while taking art classes at Sacramento City College.
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After relocating his family to Carson City, Nevada in the late 80’s he established Bucknell Arts and transitioned to full time mural painting. He spent more than 20 years traveling throughout the US and also South Africa painting large scale landscape and wildlife murals for private and public natural history exhibits. Robert’s murals have been displayed in public, residential, and commercial places, including more than 30 Cabela's Sporting Goods Stores nationwide and Bass Pro's mega flagship store in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Now retired from mural painting, Robert focuses exclusively on his studio work. He is often asked how he produces his photo-realistic style paintings. He does not do paint-overs or incorporate any other form of computerized mixed media but relies solely on photo references and his God given talent to create his work. His paintings have received recognition and numerous awards from Plein Air Magazine, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, and other International and local competitions. He is also a guest contributor for Realism Today magazine.
GALLERIES
current & Former
Skidmore Contemporary Art Laguna Beach, California
T.H. Brennan Gallery Scottsdale, Arizon
James Harold Galleries Tahoe City, California
Lone Tree Gallery Minden, Nevada
Art for the Home South Lake Tahoe
media
REALISM TODAY MAGAZINE ARTICLES
"Painting Realistic Murals in a Reasonable Time" November 1, 2024 Read HERE
"I Spent 180 Hours Painting This Realistic Still Life" - August 19, 2024 Read HERE
Realism Today: Hyperrealism Painting of the Week.
June 18, 2024 Read HERE
NORTHWOODS TAHOE MAGAZINE Spring 2025
Cover Story "Rodeo Cowgirl" painting. Read HERE
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NORTHWOODS TAHOE MAGAZINE Spring 2024
"American Royalty"Sioux Chief High Bear" Painting Read HERE
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The Nevada Appeal Newspaper: July 23, 2007
"An Artistry Niche Since Childhood" Read HERE
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AWARDS - EXHIBITS
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2025: Top 40 Finalist - Annual Plein Air Magazine International PACE Convention - Reno/Tahoe
2024: Camelback Gallery - Realism - Gold Award
2024: Plein Air Magazine - August International Salon: Best Still Life
2024: Plein Air Magazine - April International Salon: 2nd Place Overall
2024: Plein Air Magazine - April International Salon: Best Water
2024: Teravarna International Still Life Competition: Talent Prize Award
2024: Camelback Gallery: Figurative Painting: Silver
2024: Camelback Gallery: Figurative Painting: Bronze
2023: Plein Air Magazine - April International Salon: Best Still Life
2023: NOAPS: National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society: Spring International Online Exhibit
Best use of Light and Color
2023: Plein Air Magazine: March International Salon: Best Landscape
2023: PleinAir Magazine - March International Salon: Honorable Mention
2023: PleinAir Magazine - March International Salon: Honorable Mention
2023 Art Masters : Top Art Award March - 4th Place
​2023: Nevada Artists Assoc. Spirit of America Show: Best of Show & People's Choice
2023: Nevada Artists Assoc. New Years Show: People's Choice Award
2023: Nevada Artists Assoc. Winter Show: 1st Place in Oil painting
2022: Nevada Artists Assoc. Nevada Day Show: Best of Show
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​EXHIBITS
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2024 December 1-31, : 12" x 12" Show - Group Juried Show - TH Brennen Fine Arts - Scottsdale, AZ
2025: National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society -Spring International Online Group Exhibition
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2024 Sept-Dec: International Guild of Realism (IGOR )- Fall Online Group Exhibition
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2024 Oct: 12-13: The Genoa Gallery, Genoa, Nevada - Solo Exhibition
2023 - National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society - Spring International Online Group Exhibition
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2023 Feb- June - Nevada State legislature - Legislative Session Artists Exhibits
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2022 - 2025 - Nevada Artists Association Gallery at the Brewery Arts Center; Carson City, Nevada, Seasonal Shows
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