21 Under 31 | Christian Robert Hemme

By Bonnie Gangelhoff

Robert Christian Hemme, A Broken Heart, oil, 20 x 16.rt

Robert Christian Hemme, A Broken Heart, oil, 20 x 16.rt

ART EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in commercial art from Pensacola Christian College, Pensacola, FL. 
STYLE:
Representational. I like exploring human emotion—sort of Rockwellian.
MOST INTERESTING THING ABOUT THE WAY YOU WORK: I just keep in mind what Richard Schmid said in his book Alla Prima: “All successful techniques are the end result of a clear vision of the work to be created.” To that end I constantly view and study the works of great artists of the past and present. The solutions they’ve already come up with will most likely be applicable to the painting I’m working on and will help me communicate the message that inspired it.
SECOND-CHOICE CAREER: Chef, graphic designer, soccer player, or something in sports medicine.
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: Dave Russell, a mentor of mine and graphic designer in Fort Collins, CO, told me to remember: “There is always someone better than you.”
CREATIVE SPARK: Human emotion. Beautiful landscapes. Vast acts of God’s creation, which are poignant.
ONE THING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I love coffee to the max. I’m drinking a handmade latte right now.
FUTURE GOALS: To become a nationally known gallery artist. I want to give all the glory to Jesus Christ.
PRICE RANGE: $400 to $1,500.
REPRESENTATION: www.christianhemmefineart.com.

Featured in our annual “21 Under 31” issue in September 2010