Join us for an Artist Reception - Aug 25th at 6:30 pm
Hawaii Artist Bob Newell is our Featured Artist for September.
Raised in Fortuna, California, Bob Newell was born with a passion for art. By age 7 he found another passion, golf. Working to excel at each, he entered high school as an art major and a golfer—a golfer with a one handicap. Being drawn to the watercolor medium, Newell enrolled in college with intentions of continuing his studies, but his plans were derailed by the escalation of the Vietnam War. Anticipating a draft notice, Newell opted to enlist in the United States Air Force.
Being assigned an electrical technician for the F-4, the principal air superiority fighter used extensively during the war, Newell continued to paint during his four years of service and played on the United States Air Force Golf Team as well. Completing his military obligation in 1971, Newell continued studies in Idlewild, California to study under famed watercolor artist Robert Landry.
Working toward his goal of becoming a professional artist, Newell opened his first one-man show in 1972 at the Candlestick Gallery in Ferndale, California with 25 original pieces—all of which sold at the opening night reception. Pausing his art career to pursue his other life passion, Newell was asked to become the head pro at a golf course in Northern California, gaining is PGA Professional Card in 1989.
Now retired and living in Hilo, Hawai‘i, Newell has been painting for the last twelve years—finally bringing together his life’s two passions by painting scenes from the world’s most iconic golf courses and being contracted to paint two of Hawai‘i Island’s picturesque courses. He is an artist-in-residence at One Gallery in Hilo and will have his second window showing in October. He is the artist of the month for September at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar in Kona and will be one of the few select artists chosen to open West Hawai‘i’s newest gallery, A’lli Gallery 369 in August 2021.