My name is Robert Oscar and I am an artist. That wasn’t always the case.

Let's go back in time to Spring 2021. Like all of you I was locked up inside during quarantine slowly going crazy. One day while taking a break from doom-scrolling the skies opened up and a voice reached out to me…”Robert, go buy a paint set”. Whether that voice was my inner monologue or the universe I shall never know. But up until that point, beyond painting an accent wall I had not intentionally painted in 20 years. 

So I went to an art store, bought a paint set and on April 15th, 2021 I started painting. What initially started off as a new hobby slowly turned into a daily routine after work. Those first few weeks and months were full of starts, stops, smiles, frustrations, and the inevitable imposter syndrome questions of “What is this?... What are you doing?”.

But I persevered. Why? Because amongst everything going on in the world I had found something that spoke to me, something that allowed me to express myself, and most importantly something that energized me to a level I never knew existed.

Eventually quarantine ended, our doors opened up and things started getting back to normal. At that moment I could have easily let that hobby go to the wayside… but I knew that I needed to continue. For a while it continued as my nighttime hobby while I had a day job…but then a new voice spoke out to me, “What if becoming an artist is what you have been searching for your whole career?”

I began mapping out how I could turn this into a sustainable career. I started brainstorming ideas and eventually designed my first live, creative experiences that I could lead for companies, charities, and events. I began seeking out opportunities and successfully completed a few events.

But in August 2023 I hit the crossroads. Do I stay in my career and continue with art as my side gig? Or do I jump in the deep end and go for it?

Well, it makes me so proud to say I did the latter. I moved to NYC in November 2023, established my business (Robert Oscar Art) and started painting full time.

I hope my story inspires you to realize that it's never too late to start something new and to never give up, never surrender.

Artist Statement

Robert Oscar is a self-taught artist determined to inspire others to lift their heads up more often and observe the world around them. His realist paintings are driven by a desire to combat the distracting magnet we all keep within arm’s reach — our phones. While Robert recognizes the benefits of technology, he sees art as an avenue to become more present, more curious, and, most importantly, more grateful for the beauty that surrounds us every day. He evokes these emotions by focusing on light and shadow, paying close attention to color values and tones to represent scenes in the most immersive way possible. Robert knows he has achieved his goal when a viewer simply asks, “Wait… is this a photo or a painting?”