80-60-40 Introduction

80-60-40: That is, turning 80 years of age, having been a professional artist for 60 years and having been represented by Roberts Gallery for 40 years. All three numbers are significant achievements, but making a living as an artist for 60 years is an amazing accomplishment. To stay fresh, challenged, and relevant over that period of time is difficult in any profession. It means surviving the down times, and continuing to learn your craft and developing as an artist. In the 40 years we have handled Robert’s work it has always amazed me how his high level of energy bursts out in our discussions and shows up in his work. I can only hope that we all have a passion for life at any age that Robert displays at 80.

This exhibition takes us through his career on a journey across Canada and shows his evolving approach to painting and concludes with his recent work from living in Laval, Quebec over the past two plus years.

Roberts Gallery would like to thank Robert McInnis for his support and the appreciation he has shown us over the decades and for making available the gems from his personal collection in order to make this significant retrospective.

-Paul Wildridge