Property of a Private Collection, Savannah, GA(NJ/OK, b. 1970), signed and dated '03 lower left, depicting an African American girl with clapboard building behind, matted and framed. Provenance: Ann Long Fine Art, 2003 (with letter from same gallery). Publications: This work featured in an edition of American Artist, July 2004, "Method and Meaning", by Lynne Moss Perricelli, in which the artists states that this piece captures the subject's transition into adulthood. 'Because of her nickname, Plum, I traditionally paint her in purple and blue, ... Here, however, she wears white to symbolize a new beginning.' Frame size: H. 33 in. x W. 36 1/4 in., H. by sight 22 in. x W. 25 1/2 in. American painter, Mario Robinson studied at the prestigious Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. An avid student of realism, he studied the elemental principles of painting by exploring the work and technique of Old Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas. However, it was the work of 19th and 20th century American artists that provided Robinson with the strongest stylistic foundation. Beginning in 1994, Robinson's work began to extensively incorporate rural subjects primarily located in the state of Alabama. Each subject is very personal for the artist in both selection and execution. As the work progresses, his relationship with the sitter develops and a uniquely personal story begins to evolve. Robinson frequently depicts subjects framed within the context of their daily lives. The underlying narrative counters sentimentality and serves as the underpinning for his figurative images. Robinson is an Exhibiting Artist Member (EAM) of The National Arts Club, an Artist Member of The Salmagundi Club and a Signature Member of The Pastel Society of America. His work has been featured several times in The Artist's Magazine, The Pastel Journal, Watercolor Magic, American Art Collector, Fine Art Connoisseur and on the cover of American Artist magazine. In the February, 2006 issue of The Artist's Magazine, Mario was selected as one of the top 20 realist artists under the age of 40. Robinson's work is widely collected by private and public collectors. (mariorobinson.com)