Biography
Robert John Davidson
"Artists live and breathe their works and try to give to it an eternity."
Robert John Davidson is a Canadian artist born in England in 1949. His artistic journey began at an early age, showing a natural talent for drawing and a keen eye for detail. Growing up in post-war England, he was influenced by the contrasting landscapes of industrial towns and the surrounding countryside, elements that would later inform his artistic vision.
In 1966, at the age of 17, Davidson and his family immigrated to Canada, settling in British Columbia. The dramatic change in environment—from the intimate, historical landscapes of England to the vast, rugged terrain of western Canada—had a profound impact on his developing artistic sensibility.
Following his passion for art, Davidson enrolled at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design), where he studied under several notable Canadian artists. During this formative period, he experimented with various styles and mediums, ultimately developing a preference for oils and acrylics. His education provided him with a solid foundation in traditional techniques while encouraging exploration and personal expression.
After completing his formal education, Davidson worked in various creative fields, including graphic design and illustration, while continuing to develop his fine art practice. These experiences in commercial art enhanced his technical skills and understanding of composition, color theory, and visual communication—all of which would later enrich his personal artistic style.
Throughout his career, Davidson has maintained a disciplined studio practice, dedicating himself to the ongoing exploration of his chosen themes and the refinement of his technique. His work has been exhibited in galleries across Canada and internationally, earning recognition for its emotional depth, technical excellence, and distinctive visual language.
Artistic Philosophy
At the core of my artistic practice is a belief in the transformative power of observation. I see art as a way of not just recording the world, but of truly seeing it—noticing the subtle interplay of light and shadow, the harmonies and tensions of color, the rhythms of form and space that might otherwise go unnoticed in our daily lives.
My work often explores the boundary between representation and abstraction, finding a balance that allows the viewer to recognize familiar elements while experiencing them in new ways. I'm particularly interested in how memory and emotion shape our perception of places and moments, and how painting can capture not just the visual reality of a subject, but its emotional essence.
The process of painting is, for me, a form of meditation—a focused engagement with materials and ideas that requires both technical skill and intuitive response. I value the physicality of paint, the tactile quality of brush on canvas, and the alchemical nature of mixing colors and mediums to create something that transcends its components.
Ultimately, I see my role as an artist as that of a translator—converting experiences, observations, and emotions into a visual language that can be shared with others. My hope is that my work creates a space for contemplation and connection, inviting viewers to slow down, look closely, and perhaps see the world a little differently.
Artistic Journey
Born in England
Robert John Davidson was born in a small town in England, the third of four children.
Moved to Canada
The Davidson family relocated to the western province of Canada, settling in British Columbia.
Art Education
Studied at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr University of Art + Design), focusing on painting and drawing.
Early Career
Worked in various creative fields while developing his personal artistic style and building a portfolio.
First Solo Exhibition
Held his first solo exhibition at a local gallery in Vancouver, featuring landscapes and portraits.
Exploration Period
Traveled extensively throughout Canada and parts of Europe, gathering inspiration and developing new techniques.
Studio Establishment
Established a permanent studio in Vancouver, creating a dedicated space for his artistic practice.
Recognition & Growth
Gained wider recognition through exhibitions in major Canadian cities and began receiving commissions.
Mature Style Development
Developed and refined his distinctive artistic voice, creating some of his most recognized works.
Continued Success
Continues to paint daily and exhibit regularly, with works held in private and public collections internationally.
Influences & Inspirations
Artistic Influences
My work has been influenced by a diverse range of artists across different periods and movements. The atmospheric landscapes of J.M.W. Turner, the emotional intensity of Vincent van Gogh, and the structural approach of Paul Cézanne have all informed my understanding of painting.
Among more contemporary influences, I admire the color sensibility of Richard Diebenkorn, the gestural expressiveness of Joan Mitchell, and the quiet contemplation found in the works of Giorgio Morandi. The Canadian landscape tradition, particularly the work of the Group of Seven, has also been significant in shaping my approach to depicting the natural world.
Sources of Inspiration
Beyond the world of art, I find inspiration in the natural environment—particularly the dramatic landscapes of British Columbia with their mountains, forests, and coastlines. The changing seasons, weather patterns, and quality of light provide an endless source of visual material.
Literature, music, and poetry also inform my work in less direct but equally important ways. The rhythmic structures of music, the evocative power of poetry, and the narrative depth of literature all find parallels in how I approach composition, color, and content in my paintings.
Continuing Legacy
As I continue my artistic journey, I remain committed to growth and exploration. Each painting is both a culmination of past experience and a step toward new discoveries. I see my body of work not as a fixed statement, but as an ongoing conversation—with artistic traditions, with the world around me, and with those who engage with my art.
In recent years, I've become increasingly interested in mentoring younger artists, sharing the knowledge and insights I've gained through decades of practice. Teaching has become an important complement to my studio work, offering fresh perspectives and reinforcing the fundamental principles that guide my approach.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue exploring the themes that have long fascinated me—the relationship between humans and nature, the experience of place, the emotional resonance of color and form—while remaining open to new directions and possibilities. The act of painting remains, for me, a vital way of engaging with the world and contributing to the ongoing tradition of visual art.