Meet Robin Van Wageningen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Van Wageningen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always identified as an artistic person. At the young age of 5, my great aunt Mary requested I sign one of my paintings because she was convinced I would be a “famous artist” someday. I am fortunate enough to have spent my life surrounded by people that believed in my work and supported my artistic pursuits. This gave me the confidence I needed to move forward with art professionally.
I found my artistic voice while living in the Netherlands, ironically not in college whilst studying painting and anthropology.. The Netherlands is a notoriously flat country with limited, curated nature. I soon longed for the mountains and expansive nature after we moved there. I painted the mountains, experimenting with a new style that felt bold and expressive, and helped me capture the solidity and wonder of the mountains. I found my artistic voice.
Formerly, I was a teacher, working in both special education and art education. After the height of the pandemic, it was time for a career shift. This conveniently coincided with my husband wanting the same, so we stepped away from our careers and took a year-long sabbatical of sorts to travel. We wanted to reflect on what was next for both of us and our work moving forward. After taking the time to connect with what I wanted for my future, I knew I would regret not trying art as a full-time profession; the timing felt right. Practically, I wanted a shift to a lifestyle and schedule that was more fluid and flexible. I am a nomadic person who requires frequent changes of scenery. A career I could take with me, and that could reflect my experiences traveling in grand landscapes back to me and to an audience, resonated deeply with me. I knew it was more important than ever to share my passion for nature and conservation with the world, especially now that these spaces are under threat. I wanted to do my part in bringing awareness to the wonder of the natural world and to the necessity of protecting these spaces through my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work draws from my passion for outdoor adventure and exploration, and the conservation of these precious spaces. Painting these landscapes transports me back, and renews my fervor for their protection. I aim to create anchor pieces for exhilaration, centering, and wonder when physically being in the expanse of nature is not possible. I use bold brush strokes and vibrant colors to better capture how it feels to be present in these spaces, beyond just how they appear. Playing with dramatic light and vivid colors helps me create a sense of wonder in my work. Color is such a transportational tool. I mix and use highly specific hues that bring the viewer mentally and emotionally to the location, forming an immersive experience. The bold brush strokes create movement and draw the viewer into the spaces. Through sharing my art, I aim to ignite a passion for nature and its conservation in others. Protecting these spaces is vital to the wellbeing of this planet we call home, that nurtures and provides for us and all living beings. Art is a catalyst for social change and my vision for my art is to move people to participate in protecting our planet.
I place a lot of value on my connection to the art I create and to the collectors of it, whether they are purchasing a large original oil painting or a bookmark featuring a painting. Each painting has a story and is often drawn from deeply personal experiences. I share these openly with my audience beyond each painting, through my newsletter, instagram, and conversations at markets. Each piece evokes a distinct mood and draws from specific experiences which extends that sense of connection. Centering authenticity is the “why” and focus of my business, and what resonates most with my audience.
The vulnerability of art is often intimidating, and has been one of the more challenging aspects of this career. As an artist, I continually put the most authentic and tender expression of myself into the world, which compounds the pain of inevitable rejections present in a career as an artist. However, I know that continually taking chances would lead me to opportunities truly meant for me, and makes me appreciate the successes as they come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As someone who is far more of a small town, out in the wild person, I would be taking my friend straight out of the city and into the mountains.
Before leaving Denver, we would stop at Weathervane Cafe.
Our first few days would be spent on the I-70 corridor, visiting Plume Coffee Bar (there’s a coffee theme here), chatting with the wonderful owner Julie, paddleboarding on Lake Dillon, and hiking Willow Lakes, Butler Gulch, or Gore Lake.
We would pop on over to Nederland and continue our hiking from the Hessie trailhead, where the possibilities are endless. My recent favorite is the Devil’s Pass loop – a true alpine classic with an intoxicating smattering of alpine lakes! We would spend a few days disperse camping overlooking Gross Reservoir or nestled in the woods. Then, we would wind down the canyon and stop for lunch at Santo and wander through The New Local, admiring the beautifully curated collection of local artists. Another necessity would be drinks at Acreage by Stem Cider, where you can spend hours playing cornhole and sipping delicious cider, staring out at sweeping Front Range views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am fortunate enough to have such a strong, supportive community surrounding me in the form of my family, dear friends, and fellow creatives. My husband is my unwavering supporter, my willing assistant, and most open sounding board. My dog is my companion on adventures and my dedicated studio assistant. Photographer Simone Schiess has been my biggest advocate and community builder as I’ve launched into the creative space, and I’m forever grateful to her. Matty Miller and Bethanie Pack are fellow Colorado artists who have freely offered their wisdom and guidance and inspire me with their work. In such an independent career, this community has been invaluable.

Website: https://www.vdubart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinvdub/

Image Credits
Simone Schiess Photography
Elizabeth Mae of Ruff & Roam