Robert Wassell's oil paintings bring back memories. Memories of refreshing, simple days. His paintings are easy to absorb and relatable, your eye brushing over his landscapes. One views a Wassell painting as a whole. His great detail only becomes apparent when one stops viewing and begins studying. Wassell’s art is meant to transport you to a place you remember, or wish for.

Wassell began studying art at age 13 and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Art from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1975. In 1985 he moved to Ventura. Since then Wassell has exclusively painted our local landscape.

Wassell combines his art with his love of hiking and his connection to God. He packs his sketchbook and provisions for up to four days. As he hikes, he prays. He stops frequently to capture vistas in his sketchbook that move him: craggy rock formations, streams full of boulders and expansive skies.

Much of Wassell’s hiking is done without trails. He treks, looking for the best pathway. Sometimes that includes blowing up an inner tube, putting his belongings in a large trash bag, and swimming as he traverses a river!

Back home, Wassell stretches his canvas, paints his favorite sketches, and makes his frames. Wassell is uniquely committed to every aspect of bringing his artist’s vision of our outdoors to our community.