Connecticut Artist Named Artist in Residence at Landmark Hotel in Rhode Island

STAMFORD, Conn. - Aug. 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Stamford designer and watercolorist Bob Callahan will be demonstrating the “art of the sketchbook” during a special appearance as Artist-in-Residence at the grand Ocean House hotel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, from August 15 to 19. Visitors are invited to stop by and see how Bob draws inspiration from his daily sketchbook, interpreting what he sees into watercolors that capture the essence of the subjects he paints.

Those of us who have had the good fortune to see his imagination – and his hands – at work as he paints, draws, finesses, adjusts, aligns, etches and sketches are especially excited to head up to Rhode Island to watch him paint and learn a few tricks of the trade. Bob doesn’t just sit in silence as he works his visual magic. He explains, demonstrates, suggests, challenges and charms, creating art designed to impress and make a lasting impression.

Bob is a visual thinker. He communicates ideas through design, presents marketing solutions graphically, and engages the reader with images that evoke a response. Bob likes to disrupt expectations. He says “the solution to a problem lies within the problem itself.” 

For the business world, he has the unique ability to transform his clients’ communications goals into campaigns that talk to customers who listen. For the arts world, he orchestrates pitch-perfect promotions that never fail to fill the house. For fellow authors and artists, he infuses passion with compassion to draw out the very essence of the work the world needs to see. He often puts himself into the picture, in the form of his own photography, eye-candy excellent, and in original sketches and watercolor vignettes that give his work and message an even greater visual impact.

 Not surprisingly, his 40+ year career as an artist and graphic designer has taken him up the corporate ladder, into design firms, publishing houses and out on his own. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of Connecticut, an avid participant at the annual International Design Conference in Aspen for more than 30 years, and an actor, singer and narrator (Peter and The Wolf) with the Stamford Symphony. At 70-something, he still retains a loyal client following, working tirelessly and timely on projects that merit continued professional recognition.

In his free time he is a painter, photographer and author. He has been featured in one-man art shows where his watercolors were the star attractions and he is currently working on a book of original watercolor lighthouses that shine a beacon on historic nautical landmarks around the world. That his talent is now going to be put on view for the world when he is the Artist-in-Residence at the iconic Ocean House is a rare opportunity to become part of Bob’s artistic vision as he interprets what he sees before him as he paints en plein air or on the porch.

 “Friends of mine recently rebuilt a summer hotel where my wife and I and our children vacationed for many summers, so I was thrilled when asked to be Artist-in-Residence at the Ocean House. Rather than paint large works I decided to emphasize the importance of maintaining a daily sketchbook. I do small watercolor sketches to establish my palette before starting a large painting. Using a daily sketchbook fine tunes the hand-eye coordination and helps to focus on the details of the subject. I draw every day. I feel that drawing is the mother of all art.

After a light breakfast I’ll start my day demonstrating the art of drawing. Looking carefully at a subject and then interpreting what I see. I don’t try to draw or paint subjects as accurately as possible. And when starting a watercolor painting, I am less concerned with the accuracy of the scene than with mood, atmosphere, and the changing perception of time created by subtly altering light and color.

 I’ll then demonstrate a watercolor painting. The use of wet-on-wet techniques, drybrush and pigment mixing. I tend not to demonstrate a particular “style” of painting but rather honestly paint what I see.”

Visitors to the Ocean House during the week of August 15 – 19, 2013 will be able to engage with Bob, ask questions and purchase paintings.

For more information about Bob Callahan, visit www.bobcallahandesign.com
For reservations and directions to the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, visit. www.oceanhouseri.com