About Robin Smith


 

Robin was born in 1949 in Grimoldby, Lincolnshire. Grimoldby is situated next to the ex RAF station Manby, this being Robin's first recollection of interest in aviation at the age of 4 years. From this very young age Robin has been an avid aeromodeller and artist.

Leaving school in 1966, Robin joined Rolls-Royce at Derby (Aero Engine division) serving an apprenticeship as a draughtsman. During his time at R-R he qualified as a Private Pilot owning and flying several different light aircraft. An unpleasant working environment in 1971 as a result of the R-R "Big Crash" led him to take on a totally different life style and joined the Royal Navy. Having saved enough money to buy his own house Robin left the Navy in 1978 and joined the Derbyshire Fire Service.

It wasn't until a near fatal accident whilst on duty that he was forced to retire and took up painting full time. Concentrating on aviation subjects which is his passion, Robin has become a well collected aviation artist around the world and has undertaken many significant commissions.

"I value the world of aviation art in terms of old school passion. I am an artist first, a painter of aeroplanes second, and an earner of money third. I really believe to be an artist first is so important, I think of it as with a champion sportsman. A springboard diver gets nowhere if he or she doesn't put getting and keeping fit first, then they apply themselves in their specialist activity."

Robin also loves painting landscapes. After a few aviation subjects he loves to lose himself in the freedom of capturing a beautiful scene involving little or no research, harnessing the beauty of a sky or capturing on canvas the tranquil sound of running water.