Born and raised in the northeast, Rohm's return
to painting was triggered in early 80's when he moved to Texas;
the broad vistas and bright, hard sky of the southwest opened up
before him. Here was a landscape of stark simplicity and solitary
beauty. Bob began to cut back on his production business in order
to paint part time, and, in a few short years he became a full
time artist.
Rohm's style reflects his discovery of the
southwest: "Although my work is representational, I simplify
textures and surfaces to dramatize planes of light and color. My
use of color is impressionistic and expressive. I contrast both
hard and soft edges, as well as transparent and opaque paint," he
explains. Each painting seems to capture an element beyond
reality. Each moves the viewer beyond the subject itself. As Rohm
says, "A painting fails if it does not induce the viewer to
experience some form of emotion, not only about what the subject
is but why it is." And while not all of his paintings have a
typical southwestern theme, they demonstrate the focus of style
which evolved through his realization of the southwestern image:
razor-sharp contrasts and vivid colors.
Rohm lectures, demonstrates and teaches
painting workshops. A signature member of the Oil Painters of
America, and the Pastel Society of America, he has exhibited in
national and international shows and has won many awards. His art
and teachings have been featured in many publications and can be
found in numerous corporate and private collections
internationally.
