Artist Statement:
I work in the realm of realism. My subject matter varies, including, but not limited to the following: aviation, wildlife and western art themes.
There are countless objects, things, people, events and even locations that can be used as subject matter for works of art. I use these themes to create realistic rendering in an artist presentation.
I feel that good draftsmanship is important when working in the realm of realism. Whether working on commissions or my own works, research is very important as is working with what is available. A sketchbook and a digital camera are excellent additions to the working gear of an artist. My work is created by "taking a closer look."
My work consists of drawings, graphite or colored pencil, oil paintings and watercolor paintings. Three dimensional artwork is created in wood through the process of carving and/or additive sculpture using metal fabrication with welding. Paintings range in size from 3 x 4 inches and upward. Some of my murals have been as large as 16 x 120 feet.
I work in the realm of realism. My subject matter varies, including, but not limited to the following: aviation, wildlife and western art themes.
There are countless objects, things, people, events and even locations that can be used as subject matter for works of art. I use these themes to create realistic rendering in an artist presentation.
I feel that good draftsmanship is important when working in the realm of realism. Whether working on commissions or my own works, research is very important as is working with what is available. A sketchbook and a digital camera are excellent additions to the working gear of an artist. My work is created by "taking a closer look."
My work consists of drawings, graphite or colored pencil, oil paintings and watercolor paintings. Three dimensional artwork is created in wood through the process of carving and/or additive sculpture using metal fabrication with welding. Paintings range in size from 3 x 4 inches and upward. Some of my murals have been as large as 16 x 120 feet.
Artist Biography:
Robert A. Bykonen was born and raised in Rolla, North Dakota, a small town located in the north central part of the state. Work habits and responsibility were developed at an early age. This came about through helping with the many chores on the cattle and small grain farm he grew up on. Having his own horses and working with the cattle developed an interest in the “west” and the “cowboy” way of life. The works of C.M. Russell and Frederic Remington also had a influence on the young artist. In addition, the abundance of wildlife in the area and living in a central flyway for waterfowl and other migratory birds had a definite effect on his appreciation and interest in wildlife.
After high school Bob attended the University of North Dakota. He graduated with honors, earning a composite Major-Minor in art. Turning his talents to education, he taught art for thirteen years in the Grand Forks school system. While teaching, Robert started taking flying lessons. In a short time he obtained a Commercial Flying rating and also a Certified Flight Instructor rating. At this time Robert has logged over 22,000 hours of flight time, much of it as a crop duster. After 42 years of flying, he plans to retire from agricultural aviation and devote himself fulltime to his art.
At the present Robert makes his home in Grand Forks, ND, living with his wife Maggie and their cat Biscuit. When not flying or in his studio, spare time is spent cruising on his Harley Davidson Road King and sorting through the many ideas that provide him with works of art created “by taking a closer look.”
Robert A. Bykonen was born and raised in Rolla, North Dakota, a small town located in the north central part of the state. Work habits and responsibility were developed at an early age. This came about through helping with the many chores on the cattle and small grain farm he grew up on. Having his own horses and working with the cattle developed an interest in the “west” and the “cowboy” way of life. The works of C.M. Russell and Frederic Remington also had a influence on the young artist. In addition, the abundance of wildlife in the area and living in a central flyway for waterfowl and other migratory birds had a definite effect on his appreciation and interest in wildlife.
After high school Bob attended the University of North Dakota. He graduated with honors, earning a composite Major-Minor in art. Turning his talents to education, he taught art for thirteen years in the Grand Forks school system. While teaching, Robert started taking flying lessons. In a short time he obtained a Commercial Flying rating and also a Certified Flight Instructor rating. At this time Robert has logged over 22,000 hours of flight time, much of it as a crop duster. After 42 years of flying, he plans to retire from agricultural aviation and devote himself fulltime to his art.
At the present Robert makes his home in Grand Forks, ND, living with his wife Maggie and their cat Biscuit. When not flying or in his studio, spare time is spent cruising on his Harley Davidson Road King and sorting through the many ideas that provide him with works of art created “by taking a closer look.”