Robert William Guthrie was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved with his family to Louisiana in 1966, first to Baton Rouge, and then to New Orleans in 1973. He graduated from LA Tech University with a Bachelor's degree in graphic design. Making good use of his training, he proceeded with his vision of making a career in art.

After graduation Guthrie moved to San Luis Potosi, Mexico, where he started a poster and print-making business. He taught serigraph printing at the Bellas Artes Institute there. His distinctive art has been featured in solo and group exhibitions throughout the US, Mexico, the UK, and France. In 1992 Guthrie was selected as the artist for the Official New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as well as being selected for the New Orleans Carnaval Latino. As a renowned graphic artist Guthrie was also selected to design and print posters for the Crescent City Classic, Jesuit High School, as well as official proclamations for the city of New Orleans. He also designed a bas-relief mural now permanently installed at the Audubon Zoo.

Guthrie taught watercolor at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art and the Jewish Cultural Center. He successfully operated his own French Quarter gallery at 738 Royal St. Guthrie effortlessly delved in polar opposites of art media, from the tediously slow process of silk screen printing, to the incredibly difficult and unforgiving watercolor. He made a difficult art look simple. His work included light, airy watercolors and bold prints mostly around New Orleans themes.