Robert Standish is a Los Angeles-based American painter whose career has undergone a remarkable evolution. Initially celebrated for his photorealistic works, Standish built his early reputation on meticulously detailed depictions of urban life—blending street scenes, blurred lights, and poignant social commentary with astonishing precision. His paintings captured the energy of city streets with an undercurrent of irony and emotion. Often juxtaposing raw, everyday moments with the polished corporate logos that seemed to sponsor it, Standish regularly went in unique directions within photorealism.
Yet, over a decade ago, Standish experienced a pivotal artistic shift, driven by a desire to break free from what felt like, for him, photorealism's ego-driven deliberation. This transition marked his journey into abstraction—a realm where spontaneity, spiritual resonance, and the transformative power of color take center stage.
As an abstract painter, Standish creates vibrant, emotionally charged compositions that pulse with energy. Using brushes and palette knives, he layers bold gestures and highly textured surfaces, orchestrating bursts of color that feel both intentional and unpredictable. His work embodies a dynamic tension, inviting viewers into a space of joy, introspection, and discovery. He describes his paintings as uplifting and immersive, each piece a visual exploration of light and positivity.
Standish’s artistic voice is deeply influenced by Abstract Expressionism, the transcendental qualities of Abstract Spiritualism, and the chromatic explorations of Color Field Painting. These inspirations shine through in his work, yet he maintains a unique voice that is distinctly his own, emphasizing his embrace of spontaneity and signature rhythmic gestures. His paintings are not merely studies in form and color but expressions of a broader philosophy: an openness to inspiration, a rejection of creative stagnation, and an exploration of the unseen forces that shape artistic expression.
Standish works can be found in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, JP Morgan Chase, the Weisman Foundation, the Crocker Art Museum, and Stanford University, among others. Standish’s works have also been featured in a solo show at Museum of Art and History, Lancaster and in international exhibitions and group shows at the Hammer Museum, Torrance Art Museum, and Laguna Art Museum. Underscoring his emergence as a vital force in contemporary abstraction, a notable milestone in Standish’s career was a duo exhibition with legendary abstract artist Sam Francis at Martin Lawrence Galleries, San Francisco.
At the core of Standish’s practice is a profound sense of humanity. He speaks openly about his connection to his work, expressing deep gratitude when his paintings find new homes and emphasizing the importance of creating without judgment or attachment. His approach invites audiences not just to observe but to engage in a shared journey toward freedom, joy, creative spontaneity, and a deeper connection to the Divine.
