Robert Kyle

I was born in Washington DC just after the war (not the Civil War) and grew up in Maryland. I began oil painting in high school for my own enjoyment. I painted a bit while in the Army after I was drafted in 1966.  I took one art class in college in 1970.  That was the extent of my formal art training.  Other interests-- writing, photography and music--replaced art. I pursued these for about 50 years. I started a bluegrass band. Worked as a writer/editor for several companies/colleges and freelanced for many newspapers and magazines, including The Washington Post.  I picked up the brush again in 2019 when I joined my wife, a retired nurse, at art & craft shows where she sold her traditional pine needle baskets and leather bracelets. I was surprised, inspired and motivated when my paintings sold. It was a sign I needed to return to art. I decided to paint what I like. I was drawn to the colors, characters, personality and whimsey of folk art. Cows, cats, pigs, birds, fish, sheep, sea serpents and their fellow creatures all called to me. I have fun painting them and hope the viewer shares my enjoyment.