Artist of the Month
Bob Hayes
Always enjoying Kansas and its many changes through out each season. Our backyard, surrounding cities, country roads and the high plans of north central Kansas provide the source and inspiration for my photographs and paintings.
When I was about ten years old I was given an Argus twin lens camera and very basic dark room equipment. Since then I have been interested in photography. Introduction of digital cameras and computer printing re-kindled my interests in photography.
My recent acrylic paintings often begin with charcoal sketch of a landscape, farm scene or still life. At some point after starting to apply paint I almost always make a decision to make a transition to an abstract painting. There are several reasons for making the shift to abstract. The strongest reason is that I feel photography gives me a more accurate image of the subject. The next reason is that while working in the abstract form I have greater control of design elements and a more satisfying feeling of personal creativity.
Completion my business degree at Fort Hays State University allowed me to follow my interests in art and photography in their graduate art program. I was lucky to receive graduate level instruction from Professors Joel Moss, John Thornes and Darrell McGinnis.
I am a native of Kansas. Born in Dodge City as my parents raised crops and livestock near Kalvesta, Kansas. As times changed for my parents, we moved to Great Bend where I grew up enjoying the opportunities and freedoms of a small but thriving town.
Bob and Kay raised their three children in Topeka, Kansas. We have seven grandchildren — two in Florida, two in Wichita and three in Topeka.
Photography, painting and other media
Favorite camera:
Canon Rebel XTI
Favorite art format:
Acrylic on canvas or rice paper
Watercolor
Favorite other media
Three dimensional designs with
mat board, acrylic modeling
paste and plaster mixtures
Ceramics (but no recent projects)
School and Colleges:
Great Bend Senior High School
Hutchinson Community College
Ft. Hays State University
Military Service:
U.S. Army Security Agency
Arlington, VA
Sobe, Okinawa
Work Experience:
Kansas Insurance Department
Health Care Stabilization Fund
Exhibits and sales at:
Currently at Hot Java Cafe at 3343 SW Gage Blvd
2008, 2009 and 2010 – Topeka Art Guild Gallery
2008 and 2009 – Ward Meade Apple Festival
January 2009 – Classic Bean Downtown
2009 – Eagle Car Wash (no sales)
2008 Oktoberfest at Overbrook, Kansas
2008 Applewood BBQ & Bistro (no sales)
Other Work:
2009 and 2010 Topeka Art Guild Calendar
