Self Portrait 1993
Artist Robert MacDonald was born in Lima, Ohio on May 31, 1958. From an early age, art was woven into the fabric of his life. Although his father was not a professional artist, he was highly artistic and taught MacDonald the basics of drawing and creativity. His mother, recognizing his talent, encouraged him by providing art supplies and books, even hiring a local art teacher for private lessons while he was in junior high school. Although the lessons were brief, they sparked a lifelong passion that carried MacDonald through high school and beyond.
The proud owner of a new sign!
MacDonald began his formal education at Tri-State University, initially pursuing Mechanical Engineering. His interest in art deepened during this time, leading him to take every mechanical drafting course. Later, he transferred to Ohio State University, where he broadened his academic focus to include TV and film production and political science with a concentration in judicial policy. He ultimately earned dual bachelor’s degrees in communications and political science. His educational journey also included time spent at Holborne College/Wolverhampton Law School in London, UK, reflecting his wide-ranging intellectual curiosity.
Directing the music video “Love Hurts” with Gary Morris.
In 1987, MacDonald founded VMI (Video & Film Production) in Nashville, Tennessee, sharing an office with actor Jim Varney, famous for his “You know what I mean – Vern?” persona. Under MacDonald’s leadership, VMI quickly grew into a successful production company, creating content for major networks and clients, including SPEED Channel, NBC, CBS, TNN, CMT, FOX, and brands like the American Bar Association, Union Pacific Railroad, and major music labels such as BMG, Liberty Records, and MCA Records. VMI also produced programs for Nashville StarVision and Vegas Street Scene, the latter of which MacDonald launched while living in Las Vegas. Art remained a constant thread in his video production work throughout this time.
By the mid-1990s, art began to take on an even more prominent role in MacDonald’s life. Inspired by his admiration for Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso, he dreamed of following in their footsteps as an artist and physically retracing their paths. MacDonald took an immersive approach to deepen his understanding of Picasso’s cultural background, studying Spanish and traveling through Latin America before setting off on his Pasaje Picasso (Path to Picasso) journey in Spain. His pursuit of Van Gogh – Voyage Van Gogh led him to Paris, where he studied French and further embedded himself in the rich history of Western European art.
Kunsthaus Zürich, Switzerland. “I’m a private person and don’t usually like people looking over my shoulder.., but this is ok! I feel that Van Gogh, among others, are looking over my solder every time I paint.”
During his European travels, MacDonald visited museums and galleries by day and painted by night, building a collection of European-inspired works. His artistic endeavors became more focused on studio and plein-air painting in the United States. However, his passion for European art continues to draw him back to the continent for extended stays.
In 2010, MacDonald completed the art film Peace In The Valley, which featured Willie Nelson and premiered alongside the first exhibition of his painting of the same name. His earlier art films include Freedom Against The Night (1981) and The Mystic (1982). He has also filmed in Europe for upcoming projects focused on cultural icons such as Jim Morrison, Van Gogh, and Michelangelo.
Robert MacDonald painted the cover for Willie Nelson’s “Peace In The Valley” album, as well as producing and playing on the album.
Throughout his career, MacDonald has developed an impressive body of work, including several notable collections like L’esprit Libre (2002), RWB (2002), Train to Spain (2003), and Galapagos (2003). Two of his ongoing
Wondering the back roads of Auvers-Sur-Oise, France on Voyage Van Gogh May 2002.
projects, Pasaje Picasso and Voyage Van Gogh, are particularly close to his heart, continuing to evolve and inspire his artistic vision.
Living the quintessential artist’s life, Robert MacDonald has traversed the backroads of Europe, often traveling by foot, hitchhiking, and staying in unconventional places, such as a horse barn in rural France. Immersing himself in café culture and the bohemian spirit, he even indulged in absinthe, fully embracing the romanticized life of an artist. While he admires the work of Picasso and Van Gogh, MacDonald clarifies that he does not seek to replicate their legacies, explaining, “They are my talismans,” symbols of inspiration rather than identities to emulate.
MacDonald has expanded his artistic repertoire into more abstract painting, developing his innovative Subliminal Art Method, and introduced groundbreaking collection of Series Paintings. His work continues to evolve, reflecting his boundless creativity and dedication to the transformative power of art.
Robert MacDonald is a multifaceted artist whose life is a testament to creativity and innovation. While living and breathing art as an artist, he also finds time to pursue a remarkable array of passions. Robert is an accomplished recording musician, producer, and songwriter who has built a distinguished career in the music world. Beyond the arts, he pilots his own aircraft, cultivates apple and cherry trees, tends his vineyard, and designs custom motorized bicycles. A patent holder and author, his inventive spirit and boundless curiosity make him a genuine Renaissance individual, seamlessly blending artistry with technical ingenuity.