Artist Statement

Robert J. Simone

Rooted in a modest upbringing which included boating, fishing, drawing and painting with my father, I have grown to prefer the simple things and find extraordinary beauty in ordinary places. I am moved by the enduring coastal scenes of old Florida, its marshes, estuaries, harbors and villages. My passion for oil painting demands that I communicate, for public consumption, the beauty of Florida before the rising tides of development engulf its unique character in an inaccessible world of private communities and marinas. I do so with gratitude to State and County governments for their efforts at preserving the original Florida in our wonderful parks and preserves.

Artist’s Bio

What prepared me most for Plein Air was growing up in Ohio with a father who spent summers fishing on Lake Erie and winters painting watercolors in the basement.

Painting and Drawing at Ohio University 1975-78
Workshops with Mary Erickson, Larry Moore, Gavin Brooks, Christopher Still, Anthony Ryder, Clayton Beck, Scott Christensen & Luis De La Lama.

Recent Awards & Exhibitions

* 3rd Place “Paintout in Paradise 2008” Venice, Fl
* Cultural Affairs Grant 2008 Pinellas Co., Fl
* “Paint the Town” 2007 St. Petersburg, Fl
* “Paintout in Paradise” 2007
* The National Arts Program Exhibition 2006.
* Honorable Mention “Paint the Town 2006” St. Pete.
* Honorable Mention in “Paint Out in Paradise” Venice Florida 2006
* Award of Excellence “Paint the Town 2005”
* Award of Merit 2005 “Paint Out” Crescent Beach, Florida
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Memberships

* Faculty Staff at Indian Rocks Beach Art Center
* SPRAA, Inc.
* AAONF
* PAF (SM)

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