Robert Ireland

Robert was born in 1973 in Timaru but with family from Dunedin he has a strong connection with Otago and childhood memories of staying at his Nana’s farm at Tunnel Beach. Now based in Waimate, South Canterbury, Robert is drawn to and draws inspiration from the landscape and his work has been described as impressionistic landscape-abstracts.

Robert’s art has evolved since he started painting seriously in 2001. He was fortunate to learn from some of New Zealand's leading Artists including Paul van den Bergh, Michael Armstrong and Jason Greig and after graduating in 2004 with a Diploma of Painting from Aoraki Polytechnic Art School, Robert has regularly exhibited and has received recognition throughout New Zealand for his paintings. His works are now held in many private and public collections, including The Wallace Arts Trust and the Aigantighe Art Gallery and Museum.

Using quality oils, Robert works are on board or canvas and seem effortless. He has often commented that his paintings come quite naturally to him since he has always drawn. The fulltime artist is moved by the work of the romantic painters of the past and his paintings are a moody and evocative portrayal of his surroundings.

Awards:
2015 - Otago Art Society, The Edinburgh Realty Premier Art Awards, Second Prize
2015 - Ashburton Society of Arts, Trustpower Water and Nature Award
2014 - Otago Art Society, The Edinburgh Realty Premier Art Awards, First Prize
2014 - Franklin Art Awards, Oils Section, First Prize
2014 - Otago Art Society, Hope & Sons, Second Prize
2014 - South Canterbury Art Awards, Merit Award
2010 - Otago Art Society, Hope & Sons, Second Prize
2008 - Otago Art Society, The City of Dunedin Art Awards, Merit Award
2008 - Franklin Art Awards, Oils Section, Third Prize
2008 - Ashburton Society of Arts, Merit Award
2007 - Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Awards, Best Still Life Award
2007 - North Otago Art Society, Merit Award
2006 - Peter Doig Marlborough Art Awards, Third Prize
2005 - Ashburton Society of Arts, Premier Award
2004 - Cleveland Art Awards, Student Award