What People Are Saying
Critics and Reviewers
"His work disarms by narrating vitally grown up and urgent allegories in the guise of childlike humor."
William Zimmer, Art Critic, New York Times
"Bissell incorporates animals and animal lore into his imagery, in settings that exist between reality and some other, less concrete place. They are impressive paintings, large, smartly rendered and strange, begging for interpretation yet resisting easy readings. Perhaps it's best to view them as a child would, with wonder and acceptance of mystery. Most important, they have a staying power and linger in the mind after you've left the gallery - always a good indication that artistic provocation has occurred."
Josef Woodard, LA Times
“His animal work is full of charged meaning and lore, and is touched by surrealism.”
Suzanne Bellah, Director, Carnegie Art Museum
“In many ways, it seems that Bissell himself is on a quest—to encourage us to reflect on nature as well as the choices we make and the roads we travel. He holds up a looking glass so that we can see ourselves through the eyes of a bear or a hare, and in the process he takes us to a magical place.”
Bonnie Ganglehoff, Southwest Art Magazine
Collectors and Fans
"We had the great thrill of first seeing Robert Bissell's work while on Maui. Within hours my husband and I purchased two original paintings and couldn't wait to get them home. When we heard Bissell would be in Bend, Oregon a few months later we made arrangements to meet the artist in person."
Dyann, Tacoma Washington
"I'm taken with Robert Bissell's paintings not only because of the images, but because they reveal something about the artist himself. He sees something of life that I see along with him."
Ray Clemons
"You probably hear it all the time, but I just wanted to drop you an email about how much 'The Embrace' moved me. I don't understand why and can't explain it as animals are not my usual preference, but something in that painting spoke to me."
Kim Richardson
“I'm impressed not only with the manner and technique of the work, but also the seemingly careful relationships represented from our world into theirs. Beautiful storytelling.”
Joanne Markus
Your rabbits and bears seem to know exactly what is going on in the world. We don't seem to be looking at them - they seem to be sharing their world with us.
Connie Spooner
"For me, a successful painting has to function on a number of levels. It is my intention to create layers of depth in both a formal, painterly way, and in the intellectual reading of the piece. The paintings are really about looking at all sides of the puzzle - our dilemmas - at the same time.”
Robert Bissell
"In my 30 plus years in the art business, I have seen a number of gifted artists. Robert, in my opinion, has what it takes to be a really great artist. He continues to explore his craft and grow it in significant ways. His future is extremely bright."
Mark Eaker, Dreamworld Art
