Mario Andres Robinson (New Jersey/Oklahoma, b. 1970) pastel drawing and graphite study. Item 1: A bust-length pastel drawing of an African American girl with a ponytail and viewed in profile, on heavy wove paper. A grid-like matrix underlies the composition. Signed "mario," lower right. With old gallery and framer labels affixed to backing. Corner mounted in a distressed ebonized and gilt beaded wood frame with cream mat. Frame: 16" H x 17" W. Sheet: 11" H x 12" W. Item 2: A graphite preparatory drawing of the same composition on heavy wove paper. Signed "mario," lower right. Housed in a distressed ebonized gilt wood frame with double cream mat. Sheet: 8 1/4" H x 11 5/8" W. Frame: 15 7/8" H x 18 1/2" W.

Biographical note: Painter, pastellist and draftsman Mario Andres Robinson is one of the leading watercolorists working today. Born and raised in Altus, Oklahoma, Robinson moved to New Jersey as a young boy. He later studied at the Pratt Institute. An avid student of realism, he studied the principles of painting by exploring the work and technique of artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas. However, it was the work of 19th- and 20th-century American artists, such as Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth, that provided Robinson with the strongest stylistic foundation, helping him forge and define his own artistic sensibility. In 1994, Robinson’s work began to incorporate rural subjects in Alabama. He frequently depicts subjects framed within the context of their daily lives in a direct and unsentimental way. Robinson’s work is found in numerous private and public collections. He is an Exhibiting Artist Member of The National Arts Club, an Artist Member of The Salmagundi Club and a Signature Member of The Pastel Society of America. The Artist’s Magazine chose Robinson as one of the top 20 realist artists under the age of 40. His work has been featured in The Artist’s Magazine, The Pastel Journal, Watercolor Magic, American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur and on the cover of American Artist magazine. He is the author of Lessons in Realistic Watercolor: A Contemporary Approach to Painting People and Places in the Classical Tradition. (Source: The Paul R. Jones Museum, University of Alabama)

PROVENANCE: The estate of Gary R. Haynes.

Excellent condition. 2nd item is hinge-mounted to backing with archival tape.