Rob Stangroom was born in France and currently lives in Wisconsin. Though he began college as a fine arts major in photography, he graduated from the University of New Hampshire as a marine biologist, and later followed a career path that leaned into his creativity, taking him from furniture design to landscape architect.
The unexpected death of a very close friend caused Rob to reflect deeply on his own life’s intentions, and he chose to retire from architecture to refocus his attention on his first passion of making art.
His work reflects his interest in the environment. His landscapes are composed using either of two distinct vantage points: vignettes and aerial perspectives. He pairs elements of reality with abstraction using acrylics, oil sticks, pastels and collage. His evocative and rich compositions are bold at arm’s length, while subtle conversations invite intimacy and evoke a sense of tranquility.
Being a self-taught artist, Rob has woven a firm foundation through carefully selected programs and mentors.
Rob’s work is found in private collections in the U.S.
Statement
My paintings explore elements of the landscape that reflect the passage of time. I am interested in how time’s passing manifests in our physical world and exploring our own relationship with time through that lens.
I work in acrylic paint/mediums to create multiple layers of paint, scraped and scratched through to reveal earlier history - much as time passing in our environment is marked by physical degradation. Subtle conversations in the shadows and lights, with contrasting warm and cool colors and incorporating textures, invite thoughtful reflection and the hand to glide over the surface, feeling time’s presence.
I returned to my creative roots upon retiring from landscape architecture. I had dabbled with different media and art forms for many years, but turned to painting in earnest in early 2020. I am primarily self-taught, and have also studied under: Nicholas Wilton, Lorna Crane, Susanne Clark and Tara Axford.
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