Individuals Across the County Share Snapshots of RF Robbins Art

We've continued to hear from individuals throughout the country in recent years who've reached out to share a glimpse of artwork by Raymond Francis Robbins in their private collections. For some, reaching out is often a journey to learn more about the artist's lifelong work.

"On occasion I think about the artist and have always wondered (about him)," wrote one Louisiana woman who owns two original charcoal drawings that have hung in her home for more than three decades. "And it is only now that I decided to look into Mr. R.F. Robbins... I am so happy that at last there is a picture in my head of this man."

Thank you to the many individuals who have reached out to us. It's wonderful to hear from you. Below are a few of the recent photos of artwork in private collections across the United States.

Oil painting above dated 1967 of St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, New Orleans.

Pen and watercolor painting of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a historic building in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Charcoal drawing dated 1963 of Pirate’s Alley, a famous alley in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Portrait drawing dated 1963 created in charcoal and white chalk.

One of Robbins' Largest Paintings Sold at Connecticut Art Gallery

The painting "Down East" is a large panoramic in which Robbins reveals a quintessential New England cove, with its docks, harbor, and local inhabitants of fisherman and loggers engaged in their work. The painting captures an idealized view of local life in the mid 20th century, similar to the subject matter of the great American murals of the 1930s and 1940s. This oil painting from 1967 was recently sold at a Connecticut art gallery and is one of the larger paintings Robbins produced – measuring a full 48 inches wide. It bears a striking resemblance to another of Robbins' oils entitled Anchor, which was also produced in 1967 – though Down East displays more content in its composition thanks to its much larger size. Robbins often developed several iterations of a subject – each with its own unique alterations.

This specific scene is undoubtedly a location in Maine, as evidenced by the sign hanging on the shack at left, which reads, "Down East Pulp Lumber Co." The term "Down East" often refers to a particular coastal region of Maine, or more generally, to the eastern portion of the state – a location where Robbins exhibited his work during his career beginning in the 1930s. Signed and dated lower left. Oil on board. 16 in. x 48 in. (Photo credit: PaintingGallery.com, New Milford, CT.)

Recently Acquired Artwork Highlights Robbins' Originality

A 1955 charcoal drawing by Raymond Francis Robbins was recently acquired from a private collection in Tennessee. Robbins' originality shines through in this piece with his highly inventive approach to portraying the human figure. The piece, Lady in Charcoal, consists of nothing more than a series of repeating X marks in charcoal and white chalk – bringing the shape to life in a striking style. 

 

While known mostly for his landscapes and cityscapes, Robbins' did exhibit his drawings of the human figure, including a 1956 exhibit noted by art critic Alberta Collier of The Times-Picayune newspaper. Click here to read the full newspaper article. Signed and dated lower left. 23 3/4 in. x 19 in. (Original title unknown.) 

 

Old Photos Capture Lost Art

Newly discovered photos taken nearly four decades ago reveal two original works of art by Raymond Francis Robbins. The whereabouts of the original pieces are unknown today... only the photographs remain. 

The images shown below are digital scans of the old photographs. The artworks are classic Robbins' paintings - capturing his signature theme, style and composition.

The piece "By The River" shown below was most likely painted in the mid 1960s... and portrays a snowy winter setting with a meandering river that creates a strong composition.



Below, a look at the original photo with the artwork hanging on the wall.



The piece "Boats on the Water" shown below follows the coastal theme found in many of Robbins' works.



Below, a look at the original photo.

Raymond Francis Robbins Charcoal Drawing at Beverly Hills Art Gallery

Raymond Francis Robbins produced a series of works in the 1960s depicting evening scenes throughout the French Quarter of New Orleans that were similar in style and theme as the one below. This piece was exhibited at the Raymond Burr Gallery in Beverly Hills, California. The photo below was sent to us from the current owner, who inherited the piece in 1996 from his grandmother. She originally purchased it from the famed actor's art gallery on North Rodeo Drive.

In the piece, notice how Robbins lit the composition from the side, casting a dominate shadow that draws the eye to the lower third of the artwork, where a solitary figure passes quietly in the evening. An ongoing theme of solitude can be interpreted in many of Robbins' works.

(Note: the white light in the upper right is the flash from the owner’s camera; it is not part of the original artwork). Signed lower right.

The Legacy of Artist Raymond Francis Robbins

Raymond Francis Robbins, 1912–1980, was an American artist often known for his intricate realist paintings of the 20th century. His work was heavily influenced by his surroundings, reflecting the two regions that he called home – Boston and New Orleans.

This website is dedicated to his legacy. Most of his pieces were signed with his distinctive moniker, "R.F. Robbins." If you are familiar with the artist and his work, or if you have an original piece of his art, please contact us at RFRobbinsArt@gmail.com.

View the Gallery to see highlights of the artist's work. A more detailed biography of RF Robbins can be found by clicking on the About page.