oil on canvas 36 x 30 in.
Naples Evening on the Gulf by Robert Gruppe
Robert C. Gruppe, a contemporary artist following the impressionist tradition, was born in 1944. He hails from a lineage steeped in artistic heritage, being the son of the legendary Emile A. Gruppe and the grandson of Charles Paul Gruppe. Through his plein-air paintings, Gruppe skillfully captures the essence of his native Gloucester, bringing to life its landscapes and harbor scenes with a distinct touch that reflects his evolving personal vision and unique style. His artistic endeavor is rooted in the intention to encapsulate the interplay of light, motion, and mood within each composition he encounters.
Gruppe’s artistic journey was greatly influenced by his father, Emile A. Gruppe, with whom he studied for two decades. A product of the Gloucester School of Art, he also received instruction in drawing under the guidance of sculptor George Demetrios. In his current body of work, Gruppe embarks on a personal artistic exploration, delving deep into the physical and expressive attributes of his paintings. He conducts meticulous studies of design, composition, and technique on smaller canvases, ultimately translating these insights into larger works that unveil his spirit of curiosity and the full potential of his artistic vision and talent.
Notable Awards:
- Gordon Grant Award
- Virginia Thomas Award
- Annie T. McCarthy Award
- Philip Hall Award
- Frederick Reinhardt Award
- A.B. Kingan Award
- C. Richard Clark Memorial, 1st prize
- Judges’ Choice Award
- Maynard Scranton Award
- Gertrude Single Award
- Samuel Levin Award
- Virginia Thomas Award (again)
- Frederick Flatow Award
- Rocky Neck Colony Award
- Frederick Mulhaupt Memorial Award
- Great Gatsby Award
- Helen Van Wick Award
Robert C. Gruppe proudly carries on his artistic legacy in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony of Gloucester, just as his father Emile Gruppe and his grandfather Charles Paul Gruppe once did.
