Robert Wirz
Born in Switzerland in 1936, I am the grandson and nephew of two very well known Austrian painters and professors of fine arts. This heritage immeasurably influences my passion for painting. During summer vacations in Austria, my uncle, Joseph Stoitzner, taught me the basic rules and techniques of oil and watercolor painting. This was the only professional training I ever received. I started with water color on rice paper when I was fifteen years old. In 1960 I immigrated to the United States. As an engineer in the field of photogrammetry, I traveled all over the world. This fact greatly impacted my art work. Once in the United States, I exclusively painted abstract oils for about 25 years. After that, I developed a unique guache-watercolor wash technique, still taking an abstract approach. I love to experiment with color and design, many times letting the image and washed paint lead me towards a play of illusions. The geometric aspect of my work definitely comes from year of exposure to aerial photography.
In 1994, I moved from New York to New Mexico and my artwork changed again. The beauty and grandeur of the Land of Enchantment overwhelmed me and I started to paint in oils again. Three years later I joined the New Mexico Watercolor Society and am now a signature member. I have been juried into over 30 exhibits and have received numerous awards, from Best in Show to Honorable Mention. My latest achievement is the status of Signature Member of the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies.
Four and a half years ago, I joined
the Nob Hill Gallery, a co-op gallery in the Mossman Center on 7400 Montgomery
Blvd NE in Albuquerque.
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