Robert hired me over 35 years ago as a mechanical artist and graphic designer at a direct mail company. That was the beginning of a whole lot of fun times. It was the 80s, so probably too much fun (if there is such a thing.) I admit, we had some pretty long lunches.
If Robert was my art history teacher in college I would have spent much more time awake in class. He talks about artists with passion and makes you wish you knew them. Oh, and did I tell you, Robert is a phenomenal artist himself. He can take an old table from a garage sale and turn it into one that will sit in your front hall and you'll tell people not to set anything on because it's not just a table anymore. You'll see what I mean in the photo group below. This is his Blue Flower Table. You can feel the planning and thought and patience that goes into his beautiful art. It's perfect.
Today Robert still paints, but not as much as he would like. A few years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease affecting his muscle control and body movement. I don't see him nearly enough. When I call or text to see how he's doing he makes me grateful to know him. He's the one that you call to cheer up and at the end of the phone call you realize that he's the one that cheered you up.
Robert lives with his wife, Suzanne. They were college sweethearts and, to this day, look at each other with little cartoon hearts in their eyes. The third occupant of the house is Bleu, the black lab who is always by Roberts side but, never in his way. Dogs know. Robert and Suzanne have two beautiful daughters that live at opposite ends of the country. I hope that they look at these portraits and feel like their mom and dad are with them every day.
Thank you, Robert.
Thank you for allowing me to create your beautiful portrait. You are so special to me. How fortunate am I to have a friend like you? I look forward to my lessons on color theory.
Love for your home.
These photos were shot in Robert and Suzanne's home. When my assistant and I set up my camera equipment in your home we are always very careful and always are sure to ask about moving furniture and conscious of where we set things.
Friends on the Coffee Table.
Robert will be the first of many good friends that I will be photographing for my "Portraits of Friends" book. Because I want a coffee table book that I can pick up and know every single person and stories to go along with each one. I picture sitting in my comfy red chair on a Sunday afternoon, a glass of wine or a cup of tea, looking through a beautiful book of all of my friends in your life. With a little story on the side. Would that be something meaningful for you to have?
Don't wait.
Do you have a special friend in your life that you would love to have a beautiful portrait of for yourself or to give to someone?
I am always happy to hear from people that want portraits of the Dreamers in their lives. I'm flexible with time and am available to come set up wherever you are or you are welcome to come to my beautiful studio.
Please call or email me and we can talk further. P 315.221.9903 E mary@marycd.com