I always knew that I wanted to be an artist. Early on, my parents recognized and fostered my interest and I was involved in every art related activity that I could throughout my school years. I painted holiday windows in downtown storefronts, designed and painted school theatre production backdrops, silk-screened posters and even painted advertisements on trucks. As president of the art club, I designed a large mosaic made from Italian glass tiles which was a major project for us that year. It was installed and on display for many years after I graduated. My formal art studies began in 1974 at Central Michigan University and I received a graphic design degree in 1981 from Indiana Vocational Technical College. During that time I started my graphic design business, Maxon Graphix, which I continue part time allowing more time for painting.

I began taking watercolor workshops in 1993 from a variety of regional and nationally known watercolor artists, learning many techniques and color applications. Terry Armstrong from Warsaw, Indiana was a major influence. I have since applied and been accepted into many juried shows including four years with the Krasl Art Fair, one of the top 10 outdoor art fairs in the country. I have taught workshops at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph, Michigan and have conducted workshops or presentations for the St. Joe Valley Watercolor Society, South Bend Indiana, Land ‘O Lakes Arts, Inc., LaPorte, Indiana and Holland Art Center, Holland, Michigan. I have had several local exhibits and since 2015 have been a member at Chartreuse Art Gallery, a retail art cooperative of which I am currently president. I’ve also done many commissions including homes and portraits of family members and pets.

My painting style tends to the realistic with a more literal interpretation of colors but try to keep some backgrounds loose and abstract. I work from my own photographs and will sometimes combine photos to create a more interesting composition. Experimenting keeps the work fresh and interesting.

I often splash and spatter using masking fluid, salt, a toothbrush and bristle brushes. Part of the fun of watercolor is not knowing exactly what will happen, but then working with what does happen! In the last year, I’ve tried painting watercolor on canvas and finishing with hand rubbed wax to water proof. This enables the painting to be unframed or framed without glass and gives a nice, soft effect. I’ve also begun experimenting with plein air painting and the immediacy of capturing a scene. I’ve studied the work of William B. Laurence from his book “Painting Light and Shadow” where he states “light is the essence of simplification”. Finding how to paint simply and quickly is a challenge for me. I have also enjoyed the videos of plein air painter Brienne M. Brown and find her work very inspirational. She has described how the energy and sounds around you influence the outcome of a painting and I look forward to more outside painting in warmer weather.

These pieces reflect a range of subjects that I am attracted to and nature seems to play a major role. I attempt to paint something common but from an unusual vantage point. Capturing the details of a dragonfly, reflections in water or even a group of frogs in a pond as opposed to just one, may not be typically expected and make the painting more interesting. The play of light and shadow and the nuances of color is always important.

My husband Rick and I have lived in southwest Michigan for 42 years, and have 3 sons: Tyler, Evan and Daniel. Each is pursuing his own interests in the arts, including music, fine art and theatre.

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November Artist Robin Maxon