Robert Patrick Coombs has a background in graphic design and art direction. He started his graphic design career in Manhattan working in the publishing industry and then moved to in-house design positions in the pharmaceutical and utility industries. Robert is a former art director for National Grid and KeySpan Corp. Mr. Coombs attended the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, NY. He earned a BFA majoring in graphic design and illustration while studying painting and drawing under the late noted painter and professor, Valdis Kupris. After retiring from the full-time corporate scene fifteen years ago Mr. Coombs has begun his "Second Act" as a fine artist. Robert is an elected artist member of the historic Salmagundi Club in Manhattan, New York. In 2017 Robert won the William D. Zahn Memorial Award for his painting Sagamore Boathouse as part of the annual SCNY Historic Black & White Show.