Abbett, Bob, 1926 -

Best known for his exceptional and spirited paintings of hunting dogs, Robert Abbett's work expresses the crisp fresh air of autumn and the inherent excitement of a dog on point. Viewers are quickly drawn into the scene and can easily sense the drama. Robert Abbett's work clearly reflects the love and understanding of his subjects.

Robert Abbett was born in Hammond, Indiana in 1926. He began college at Purdue University as a pre-med student, and soon transferred to the University of Missouri to study art and writing. After graduation, he accepted a position as an illustrator at a studio in Chicago and New York. He then moved to Connecticut in 1953 to be closer to the editorial markets. There he illustrated for The Woman's Home Companion, Argosy, Sports Afield, and Reader's Digest. He also worked with several motion picture studios and did covers for all of the major paperback publishers. In 1970 he was commissioned to paint his first animal portrait, an English Setter. It was this assignment that led him from illustration to becoming a full-time gallery artist.

His specialty includes hunting dogs, fly fishing, horses, wildlife and the occasional portrait. He is s member of the Society of Animal Artists, and also a featured columnist for The Pointing Dog Journal, and Canine Images magazines. Several books have been written about Robert Abbett and his work. He also has published his own book titled, A Season for Painting. Abbett also works with conservation stamp-print programs, such as Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, The National Cutting Horse Association, and The Pointing Dog Foundation. His paintings are in many permanent collections, such as the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the National Bird Dog Museum, the Genesee Country Wildlife Museum, and the American Kennel Club Museum. With much style and artistic magic, his work touches a responsive and lasting chord with his viewers. He has been called one of the top outdoor artists and one of the finest hunting dog painters. This particular painting "The Partridge Hunter" by Robert Abbett, was sold at the 2008 Jackson Hole Art Auction for $18,400.