Robert Genn 1936-2014

Robert Genn lecturing in theBugaboos

We have some sad news today. We have lost a great Canadian painter, writer and philosopher. Robert Genn not only created beautiful paintings, he also generously provided advice, encouragement and amusement through his Twice-Weekly Letters. He will be greatly missed.

With Bob's blessing, I did this portrait sketch from a photo I took during our Bugaboo 10 heli-painting trip.

When he saw the work in progress above (I never did get around to adding the detail I had in mind) his response was characteristically eloquent and funny:

OMG!  Quite a shock. I think you got me though. Lugubrious old fart. Getting ready to pontificate. Smug. Don’t do much to it. 

Bob

Robert Genn's daughter, Sara, is going to continue the twice-weekly letters, by publishing one of Bob's older missives along with a new one of her own every week.

Robert Genn - The Painter's Keys Twice-Weekly Letters

Robert Genn lecturing in the Bugaboos

I am always happy to plug this inspirational blog for creative people. Robert Genn (that's Genn with a hard G, like God, in case you are wondering) is a well known and very successful Canadian painter, who does mostly acrylic landscape work. Mr. Genn is also a scholar and a poet who sends out, free of charge, two intriguing, helpful and sometimes provocative missives, without fail, each and every week.

I was particularly struck by the letter this week, as it reveals the secret to success as an artist.
Robert's parable in this week's letter involves two artists on two different paths and the one that achieves the most success may be a surprise to you - click here to read the letter!
Here are some hints: GO TO YOUR ROOM! Create a lot of paintings. Burn the duds.

The painting above is based on a photo I shot of Robert Genn when I had the privilege of accompanying him and a bunch of other lucky ducks on a heli-painting trip in the Bugaboo mountains. Mr. Genn graciously granted me permission to create the portrait which is 16x20 inches, oil on canvas. It still needs a few finishing touches, but, hey, I needed a photo for this post!

Robert Genn and The Bugaboo Ten - Exhibition at Canada House Gallery

Well known Canadian landscape painter and writer Robert Genn sent out his most recent twice-weekly letter today in which he talks about plein air painting by helicopter in the Bugaboo mountains of British Columbia. I was fortunate to be able to participate in that trip in September 2010.

There will be an exhibition of work by both Robert Genn and The Bugaboo Ten (the painters who accompanied him and artist/guide Liz Wiltzen on the trip) at Canada House Gallery in Banff. Alberta. The address of the gallery is 201 Bear Street. The opening is on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm, so come by and check out some of the paintings created during (or inspired by) that fabulous excursion.

The piece shown above was painted while holding a brush in one hand and an umbrella in the other (to try and fend off the freezing rain and snow) while occasionally having to grab the easel before it was blown over. Plein air painters are hardy types!

Click here to read what Robert Genn has to say about heli-painting.

Bugaboo Lodge - Canadian Mountain Holidays

Here is the stunning backyard view at Bugaboo Lodge.

Robert Genn - Intrepid Plein Air Painter Extraordinaire

Top: Day 1, at Rocky Point

Middle and Bottom: Day 3, still smiling after the hail storm!

Heli-Painting in the Bugaboos: Day 1 - Rocky Point Basin

Heli-Painting in the Bugaboos with Robert Genn

I just returned from the trip of a lifetime, having traveled to heli-paint en plein air in the Bugaboo mountains with renowned Canadian artist and writer, Robert Genn and fabulous oil painter, Liz Wiltzen plus 9 other painters from Canada and the U.S.

This photo shows the breathtaking view from Rocky Point Basin. The beauty is absolutely overwhelming.

This turned out to be our most pleasant day, with the sun peeking through occasionally. Still, for anyone contemplating this experience, you really need a lot of clothing, as the temperature was pretty brisk!