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.