This site displays the fine artworks of
Robert L. Henderson
Hello everyone, my name is Robert L. Henderson. My childhood was spent in a southern town just south of Richmond, Virginia, called Chester. Growing up in the "South", I have always had a problem with being call a "Black Artist." Yes, I am a black man, who is an artist. No, my work is not just for black people. Please don't categorize my artwork, examine it and judge it for the content and talent. My work contains a strong sense of detail and is considered pleasing to the eye.
Born the middle of five children, I was often told what I could do and what I should not do as well. Face with this often constrictive and confining rules cast on me by outside influences, I decided to create my own place in this world. Cast aside the demands that others tried to cast on me and my dreams to be comet the man that I wanted to become. Fortunately, my family has helped to support me in my desires and ambitions. I would like to give praise to all of them, both family and friends who have endured my pain and struggles with their thoughts and prayers.
My work has many influences, mostly Renaissance and Baroque masters such as: Leonardo De Vinci, Michael Angelo, Raphael and Donatello. Perhaps, the artist who feed my desire most to create was Norman Rockwell. Though out my childhood, I was shown prints of his Saturday Evening Post illustrations and paintings that were in the National Art Gallery and others location that my parents and family willingly took me to examine and learn.
Thanks to the strong women and men that raised me, I have been allowed to travel around the country studying and working on mastering my craft. Unfortunately many of these people have had their lives shortened by Diabetes and other ailments that commonly take place in the black people in this country. My mother is one of those people. During my college years, she was diagnosed and later died from complications of this illness. She later died. This site is dedicated to her lasting memory. I know that she is with me and guiding my every move. Mother, I love you and miss you! She and my aunts who helped raise me, were all strong women who helped to make me the man that I am today.
My father and I did not see eye to eye at times. He believed that as a man, I should simply get a job and work hard for the things that life has to offer. Like he had to when he was growing up. Forced to leave school at a young age to work to support his family. However, I do want to let you know how very proud I am to have him in my life. His work ethic that he has instilled in each of his children has nourished our belief that there is nothing that we can not do or accomplish.
RLH STUDIOS PHOTOGRAPHY
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