This painting is about that mother, that wife, that grandmother, daughter and woman that gave her time, her strength, her prayers, her peace, her love and all that she is.
She carried others even when she was tired herself.
Even when it felt like there was nothing left to give,
she somehow found more for those that needed her.
The unfinished portion represents all of her that she has given and poured into others, her kids, her husband, her friends, the business, social media and community. It represents the early morning prayers, late night tears, the countless hours of worrying, planning and helping.
and She continued to give
60in X 40in
Oil on canvas
Hand signed. Verso
2025
#RobertPeterson #FineArt #ArtBaselMiami #UntitledMiami #Women
As a parent, my purpose has always been to pour myself into my children. When they were little, that meant the simple, everyday things making sure they had a warm bed to sleep in, food to fill their bellies, and clothes on their backs. When homework felt overwhelming, I sat down and figured it out with them. When practices and games filled the calendar, I showed up, tired or not, because their dreams mattered more than my comfort.
Now they are grown, but nothing has changed, if anything, I pour even more into them. My goal has never been to hold anything back but to give all that I am, everything I’ve learned, every ounce of strength and love I carry. I want to leave this world completely empty, having poured out every lesson, every sacrifice, every part of me into them.
That is the quiet truth of parenthood. It is not just about raising children, it is about giving so much of yourself that your love lives on inside them long after you are gone.
In this painting, I wanted to capture that very truth, a father holding, protecting, and pouring into his sons the same way I pour into mine. You will notice his body is left half unpainted, a visual reminder that the more a parent empties themselves, the more their children begin to fill. Each son grows more complete as his father gives, their painted forms representing the steady inheritance of love and wisdom. The oldest son who is now old enough to go to school and interact with others outside of the home has orange tape across his body which symbolizes him being under construction., still learning, still becoming. You will also notice the boys facing forward while the dad has his back towards us, this is because as they face the world, he, like many of us parents will always have their backs. Whether it’s to pick them up when they fall or pat them on their backs when they accomplish something, he always has their backs.
So much more to give
60in X 36in
Oil, tape and acrylic
2025
Private collection
#Parenting #Sacrifice #DevotionalLove #Family
The inspiration for this painting came from facing one’s fears. We have all had moments where life asked something difficult of us.
Whether it be walking through a haunted house as a kid, walking into a classroom on the first day of college, getting married, starting a business or something as scary as leaving an 18 year marriage like my mother did because she wasn’t appreciated, was verbally abused and cheated on.
We have doubts, we are scared because it’s new, scared because we may fail. We are scared because of the unknown but we face the fear of those things regardless.
His arms are his wall, his only form of protection. His arms are my mother’s arms, my arms and anyone else’s arms who has faced their fears.
Facing your fears does not mean you are fearless. It means your hope became louder than your fear.
Facing your fears
40in X 40in (framed)
Oil on canvas
A new Peterson has arrived, and my heart just made more room. My oldest son and his wife welcomed a healthy baby boy, our third grandchild and a true blessing. Grateful for new life, for family, and for the legacy continuing to grow.
Luca James Peterson
#Family #Legacy #Hallelujah #Blessed
“My work begins with a desire to honor people I know and the experiences that have shaped me. Through these portraits, I’m exploring what it means to be seen, to carry strength quietly, and to exist with dignity in a world that doesn’t always make space for it.”—Robert Peterson
The HRM is proud to present “Robert Peterson: Journeys,” opening Friday, May 29!
This exhibition showcases monumental yet deeply intimate portraits by @caleblee81 , which act as luminous love letters to contemporary Black life. Through large-scale canvases, Peterson elevates everyday figures into inspiring, heroic archetypes—hardworking mothers, protective fathers, loyal siblings—and, in the process, expands the thematic parameters of classical portraiture..
Learn more at hrm.org/journeys
#HRMRobertPeterson #RobertPeterson #Portraiture #HudsonRiverMuseum
Lead sponsorship for this exhibition is provided by DeWayne N. Phillips and Caroline A. Wamsler, PhD.
Support for the exhibition is generously provided by @artbridgesfoundation .
This exhibition is sponsored by Adam L. Bresnick and Ángel Martínez Roger, Peter French, Nicholas C. Pierce and Donna Peterson, and Elizabeth Wedemeyer and John Gunther-Mohr. Additional sponsorship provided by Clare Bell, Cheryl Calegari, and Brian Dore.
Support provided by New York State Senator @andreastewartcousins , President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader.
Exhibitions are made possible in part by assistance provided by the @westchester_county_government and the @cityofyonkers .
Image: Robert Peterson (b. 1981). “Legacy” (detail), 2023. Oil and glitter on canvas. Private collection.
genesis. noun. gen•e sis ‘jen-a-sas. plural geneses -sēz. : the origin or coming into being of something.
Remember where you came from but don’t lose sight of where you’re headed.
Genesis
10in X 8in
Oil on canvas
#Genesis #Durag #FineArt #growth #SmallWorksOnCanvas
I don’t get to paint bison often but when the Lawton Ft. Sill Regional Airport reached out about commissioning one, I moved some things around and made time.
It was dope to see the finished painting right when you walk in.
#LawtonRegionalAirPort #LawtonOK #Bison #colors
Quit acting all surprised when people compliment you, look up to you, love you bring to this world, or see you in a good light. YES, you are desirable. YES, you are good. YES, your work, your character and your presence speaks for itself. YES, people see your potential & your power. now it’s time for you to believe it!!!
Longing to be seen
30in X 24in
Oil on panel
DM for more info on this piece
#RobertPeterson #FineArt #figurativeart #OklahomaArtist #Durag
When you take control of your life, your peace, your happiness and your purpose and how you want to be seen, you don’t just exist in the room, you define it.
Be unapologetically YOU!!!
Morning thoughts on my way to the studio this morning.
#DreamChaser #BeGreat #Motivation #MorningThoughts
If you want it, go get it. Make a way, not an excuse
Thoughts while working through being sleepy, unmotivated and in and out of a slump (it happens to all of us).
She is layered, evolving, becoming and being all at once. A queen not because she was crowned but because she endured, grew, and remained whole in a world that tried to divide her.
Queen
Oil on panel
48in round
#Queen #Women #Beauty #RobertPeterson #FineArt
