Rob Beilby Marine Artist Beilby Fine Art

Beilby Fine Arts Studio

Member of the National Watercolor Society
& San Pedro Art Association

About The Artist

Rob Beilby, a member of The American Society Of Marine Artists, is heavily influenced by the sea, its moods, and shifting colors. He has a keen interest in the history of ships and sailors that have traveled far distances or perished in a dramatic moment of action, a sea in turmoil. This influence is prominent in dramatic watercolors such as "The Gypsy Moth IV," fully in the teeth of a gale. Rob has experienced these exact moments as a young sailor in the Royal Navy aboard HMS Morecambe Bay. In the early '50s he was on hurricane patrol in the West Indies and South America. These images were never forgotten and are portrayed in his paintings in a way that only someone who has weathered those incredible gales can tell.

He also treasures the quieter moments of the sea and a safe harbor, recording faithfully for us the tranquility of a mirror like reflection as in "Illusion" or "Blue Dory - Reflections." Then, with a keen eye and a complete respect for the men who make their living by the sea, Rob has elected to record for history the fishing fleet of San Pedro. This fleet is made up of Croatian, Greek, Italian, Mexican, Japanese and even Vietnamese migrants who are now part of the fabric of America. These wonderful rusty, hard-worked old boats will one day be gone. Who will see beauty in these ugly ducklings whose crews risked their lives to put food on your table? This old sailor's appreciation for detail in these ships and boats is quite remarkable. Working from memory and meticulous research contribute to the finished work.

Rob was born in South Shields in 1937, a busy coastal port in the Northeast of England. Boats and the salt air were in his blood from the beginning, then came World World War II. South Shields came under heavy bombing, including the street where Rob lived. The family evacuated to the ancient city of Durham, 15 miles inland to live with their grandparents and attend school. This move placed him exactly where, two centuries earlier, in 1740, his namesake, William Beilby, sired seven "Ingenious Beilby's." All became famous in the world of art. Perhaps something may have been handed down through the centuries to this painter who is completely self-taught and has never received a lesson.

Though painting for many years, Rob only recently retired, has opted to return to his first love, painting and become a professional full time artist. He is ready to share his efforts with everyone. Venturing out from his studio by the harbor of San Pedro, California, Rob can be found patrolling the harbor and the beach, gathering inspiration for his next work.

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