Artwork copyright Robert Graves. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2013.

Artwork copyright Robert Graves. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2015.

Winterbreak, 1978

Robert Graves
American (born 1929, died 2013)

Location: Eastmont High School, Wenatchee

About the Artwork

Winterbreak is an expressive painting by artist Robert Graves. The abstract imagery uses layers of color to reference natural elements. Of his artworks, Graves noted, "My object is not to copy nature, but relate on the canvas certain entities of personal expression. This may be somewhat like stopping the natural process of growth and decay for an instant and exposing a condition that is worthy of meaning as an art form…"

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Eastmont School District.

About the Artist

Late artist Robert Graves (1929-2013) lived and worked in Wenatchee in Central Washington, where he taught art at Wenatchee Valley College for 32 years. In 1976 he founded and directed the college's community art gallery, which was renamed in his honor in 2007. His abstract paintings and prints are expressive explorations and abstractions of the Northwest environment.