Specializing in Western art, Franktown-area artist Robert Quimby finds no shortage of inspiration in Elbert County.
He enjoys the vastness of subject matter and accessibility that Elbert County provides. Quimby was drawn to Elbert County because of the rural appeal he grew to appreciate during his childhood in a ranching community in western Nebraska. He moved to Franktown in 1999.
“I know we have our issues with growth and encroachment, but Elbert County has numerous historic and impressive ranches and I enjoy being close to that authentic beauty and scenery,” Quimby said.
Visiting these ranches is a part of his artistic process he thoroughly enjoys. “I’m no cowboy,” he said, “but being on these ranches and watching these professionals work is inspiring. It is an honor to be invited into their spaces.”
His interpretation of the beauty of ranch life comes through in the art he creates. His primary motivator is to portray the Western way of life with accuracy and in a way that his subjects feel proud of what they do.
Quimby also finds purpose and fulfillment in teaching art to children. “I love seeing young people interested in the arts, and seeing their excitement and satisfaction when they create something.”
Quimby took art classes through elementary school himself, but never really knew what he could do with his skills. “I often heard, wow you’re a great artist, but you still need a way to make money.” Today he enjoys nurturing the creative interests of his students and showing them what is possible through art.
“`When teaching, I like to start with pencil, and work on fundamentals and composition,” he said, since those are skills he feels are necessary to develop before moving on to paint. “You could watch a video online, follow along and recreate a painting, but to really learn how to create, drawing is essential. I think more people are skilled in this area, they just lack the confidence.”
Quimby aims to create a stress-free, no-pressure environment for his students so they are able to create and develop confidence. Quimby feels strongly that effort is more valuable than outcome.
For Quimby, success is measured by the impact his art makes on the viewer. He strives for viewers to have a connection with his work. “That’s the challenge, because not every piece is like that. I’ll quote the artist Bruce Green, who said it best that what makes a piece interesting is when you keep going back to it, but you don’t know why.”
He adds, “I’m trying to capture the appeal or splendor of a moment in a way that moves someone to ask questions, piques their curiosity or influences their views or thoughts.”
Like the ranches and rural lifestyle of Elbert County, Robert Quimby’s approach to art illustrates the rustic beauty in the creation of something enduring.