Robert Ruff Jr. was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Growing up, Robert was inspired by the artwork of his father, who drew portraits using graphite pencils. Robert has never had any formal art lessons or training. He learned to draw by watching his father draw and give tips and pointers to other aspiring artists. So for the most part, Robert's artistic ability is a natural gift.
As a youngster, Robert found joy in drawing various cartoon and human figures using graphite pencils on paper. He moved to the Monterey Peninsula of California (where he currently resides) in 1991 after being stationed at Ft. Ord as a member of the 7th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He first experimented with painting in oils in his early 20's, after purchasing an instructional landscape painting kit by Bob Ross. Although portrait painting is his first love, Robert occasionally paints landscapes. Around 2003, he began to draw portraits using pastel sticks on paper as a hobby. In 2007, Robert began to develop his skills more seriously by doing larger, more detailed pastel portraits on velour paper. A few years later he decided to take on the challenge of painting portraits in oils on canvas. Understanding that people love their pets dearly and may desire to have a portrait of them in their home or office, he now paints pet portraits using pastels or oils.
" I find the challenge of turning a blank canvas or paper into a wonderful piece of art, soothing and emotionally gratifying. What started as just a hobby as a child, has turned into a true passion in my life. With my portraits, whether of people or pets, I aim to capture my subject's likeness during a certain time in their life. My goal is to create a work of art that will last for generations". -Robert
As a youngster, Robert found joy in drawing various cartoon and human figures using graphite pencils on paper. He moved to the Monterey Peninsula of California (where he currently resides) in 1991 after being stationed at Ft. Ord as a member of the 7th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He first experimented with painting in oils in his early 20's, after purchasing an instructional landscape painting kit by Bob Ross. Although portrait painting is his first love, Robert occasionally paints landscapes. Around 2003, he began to draw portraits using pastel sticks on paper as a hobby. In 2007, Robert began to develop his skills more seriously by doing larger, more detailed pastel portraits on velour paper. A few years later he decided to take on the challenge of painting portraits in oils on canvas. Understanding that people love their pets dearly and may desire to have a portrait of them in their home or office, he now paints pet portraits using pastels or oils.
" I find the challenge of turning a blank canvas or paper into a wonderful piece of art, soothing and emotionally gratifying. What started as just a hobby as a child, has turned into a true passion in my life. With my portraits, whether of people or pets, I aim to capture my subject's likeness during a certain time in their life. My goal is to create a work of art that will last for generations". -Robert
