Canada is in her blood. Roberta Luchinski (who signs her work as Robbie), was raised as the daughter of an RCMP officer from Fort William ON and a telephone operator from Yellow Grass SK. Her nature-loving parents taught her to love the natural world and to identify birds and plant species. The RCMP life meant many moves around the province of Saskatchewan from prairie grasslands to boreal forests.  Fishing, hiking, and foraging were family entertainment. Roberta’s heart lives in the wilderness that is right outside her rural Saskatchewan door.

Roberta describes a bursting sensation when she sees something that stirs her. Discontent to keep it to herself, she uses watercolours and oil paints to say “Look what I see”.  The thrill of someone purchasing her art is their implicit “Yes, I see it too!”  Soulful connection with the world and with others through her art is what compels her to share her work. 

Roberta values the rawness that comes with painting from life, aspiring to communicate the wonder that the scene evokes.  From rugged natural scenes to shadows or sunlight playing on a surface, Roberta’s life painting is done on location (en plein air), and in her studio from real objects or reworking plein air works.  Her paints are her constant companions whether it is on a road trip, a hike, or just a trip to town (just in case the clouds or light are amazing).  Rivers, ponds, and lakes frequently appear in her work and, where possible, she uses water from the scene in her work. Roberta is on a mission to paint on location in every province (and hopefully  every territory) in Canada. 

Watercolour is a challenging medium which allows continuous challenge.  Roberta paints in layers, first with a foundation layer that “paints the light”, and leaves the white of the paper for white areas.  This is followed by darkened values in a second layer with a final layer of darks and details.  Colours are often mixed on the paper, and glazes used to create atmosphere.  Using artist quality 100% cotton paper, including some handmade paper, and artist quality pigments for watercolours, her works will stand through time. While most are ready for matting and framing, some are pre matted and some are  mounted on wood panels to eliminate the need for glass and framing.

Oil paintings begin with a colour base and underpainting.  Moving from dark to light (the opposite of watercolour) the image emerges in stages with the final light colours bringing the painting to its completion.  Using oil paints en plein air is a new and intense challenge. With oil paint, accomplishing colour mixing, blending and hard and soft lines is so different from watercolours. The exercise requires vigorous engagement of planning and thought processes through the painting process.

Roberta’s newest completed paintings sit in a prominent place while she considers the balance of the raw original plein air work and the principles of good art.  Switching techniques between watercolour and oil paint requires the ability to completely switch mindsets. The constant between both her watercolours and her oils is the desire for a loose painterly style, pleasing composition, and moving visual impact.

Roberta holds a master’s degree in Educational Psychology.  Her art training has consisted of workshops, mentorships, reading, independent study and brush miles.  Roberta is affiliated with the International Watercolour Society where she has contributed to the online magazine and to the monthly online  galleries, as well as offering a mini workshop within the group. She is listed with Artists In Canada, and participates as a member in the Humboldt Museum and Art Gallery Member’s sale annually. She is a member of the Nipawin Art Club. Roberta’s work can be found in Northern Lights Gallery in Melfort SK. She has been mentored by Cam Forrester and is currently mentored by Doug Swinton through Mastrius.