I was born October 24. 1950 in Elizabeth City, NC and raised until 1963 in Coinjock along the intercoastal waterway. In the summer of 1963, my family moved to the Great Bridge section of Chesapeake, VA. I graduated from Great Bridge High School in 1969 and from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973 with a BFA and certified to teach art. I worked in the Richmond Public School system for three years before striking out for something different. I loved teaching but had administration problems.

After a series of odd jobs, I ended up with a sign painter who agreed to teach me the trade. I operated a sign shop for a few years but had a hard time making a profit. I tried other options, Staff Artist at Donning Publishing Co., Architectural Renderings for Chesapeake Drafting & Design, working part time behind the bar at the Brass Lantern. In 1981 I landed a job with Southern Atlantic Label Co., Inc. as the Manager of their Screen Print Dept. It consisted of me and an assistant. I think the first year was about $ 60,000 in total screen print sales. Ten years later there were 14 employees in the department and sales were $1.3 million per year. I was promoted to General Manager but after three years the owners decided down sizing was necessary and I, the Sales Manager and many others were let go. I’ve been running a small screen printing shop ever since.

Through out this life I have from time to time picked up a brush, pencil, crayon or screen and produced personal works, but not consistently. I’m trying to change that now.

I’m concentrating my efforts on oil painting but I also enjoy sketching and watercolors. I have taken commissions for individual pieces. I’m looking forward to a life immersed in my work.

©2017 Glenn Roberts Studio