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.