Robert H Branham
Artist’s Biography and Statement

 “The visual arts cannot be translated into a spoken language.  Art is a language in and unto itself. The visual is simply waiting for the observer to feel that spark of recognition that then translates into the language of art. As an artist I have looked within my own soul for the inspiration to speak the language of art.” “The inspirations of my life began with Degas at about 12 and continued with Van Gogh, Lautrec, Rouault, Matisse, Munch, and Giacometti. These masters were most intrigued in expressing the mystic of the human female form. The subject of the feminine psyche became a sort of quest for me to understand and visually explore in art form.” I have had a long-standing interest in the works of Carl Jung on dreams, and Joseph Campbell symbolism. These influences as well as having six daughters are often reflected in my work.”

Robert H. Branham was born in 1926 Kentucky.  He became interested in art as a child.  He painted from every interest.  During world war two, he painted pictures of generals and airplanes for his teachers. Later he worked from his art books and those around him.

After the war he entered the Art Academy of Cincinnati. He enjoyed early successes as a talented artist with direct commissions from the Vatican in Rome, which resulted in an audience with the Pope.  He worked as an illustrator in Chicago during the 5o’s and was commissioned by Playboy Magazine to illustrate the famous “Playboy Penthouse” and the “Playboy Weekend Hideaway”.  He has lead a varied and diverse career as an illustrator, consultant, and conceptual design artist for the motion picture industry and free-lance for various architectural and entertainment firms.

During his work for the movie industry he won an Emmy nomination for “Title Painting” in Zeigfield: The man and his Women.  Between films he conceived, designed and oversaw the building of exhibitions in Tokyo Tower, Tokyo, Japan, Tropworld in Atlantic City, New Jersey and Hamleys in London, England as well as designed exhibition in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Mr. Branham lives in Malibu, California where he passionately works at his fine art which he has always done.  He has kept this work separate from the commercial world, including the commerciality of the Fine Art world.  Consequently, his work has rarely been shown.  His methods are a result of constant exploration and development as an artist.  He most often uses a combination of oil and acrylic, but has experimented with many other mixed media.  Most of his work was figurative.  His latest efforts have been with abstracts.     

His art is shown from October 5, 2006 to January 5, 2007 at the Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91363.

 Priscilla E. Branham Wife of Robert Branham