Robert James Hauschild

New London - Robert "Bob" James Hauschild, of 6 Starr St., New London, passed away Jan. 29, 2012, at his home after a brief illness with pulmonary fibrosis.

Mr. Hauschild was born in Queens, N.Y., Dec. 1, 1941, the son of the late Albert C. and Mildred (Seely) Hauschild. His father, a successful New York City/Manhattan based commercial artist, often worked in his home studio, giving Bob full access to paint, paper, and brushes…a kid in a candy shop! Learning his technical painting skills at an early age, he considered himself to be largely self-taught and his early playground was the land of the Hudson River with ferries, tugs, railroads, bridges, and lighthouses. It is no wonder that his favorite paintings would include what he knew, saw, and enjoyed as a child.

Bob was an Army veteran who served in Vietnam. He retired from the U.S. Post Office as a rural carrier working primarily in the Stonington/Pawcatuck offices.

Bob was a man of strong opinions and convictions. He was passionate about all aspects of his art, be it through teaching, judging, or exhibiting. Another of his passions was trains and several of his most dramatic pieces are intricate watercolors of steam locomotives. He was the cover artist of Locomotive Quarterly for eight years.

Watercolor was his medium of choice, but in recent years, he enjoyed working with acrylics. Hallmarks of his paintings are hard edges, dramatic shadows and stark contrasts between dark and light falling upon the surface of the canvas. His work has been described as surreal and mystical in style and subject.

His watercolor paintings have been reproduced on four New London Main Street posters and his watercolor views of New London and its streetscapes capture the city in many moods and moments. Two of his works appeared on the cover and back plate of the Historic Waterfront District Map & Guide of New London. Active in the local art community over the years, he donated many of his original works of art to benefit local non-profit organizations. He exhibited widely throughout the region including one-man shows at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery, the Mystic Art Center, and the Slater Museum. His work is in the permanent collection at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art, the Mystic Arts Center, Mystic Seaport, and the New London office of Chelsea-Groton Bank. Bob exhibited his Locomotive Quarterly paintings in a one-man show in the Oliver Jensen Gallery at the Valley Railroad at Essex.

He was a professional artist member of the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery of Art, the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, and his watercolors were recently honored by the Connecticut Watercolor Society at the New Haven Paint and Clay Club. His most recent show in New London was at the Harbour Towers "Deck the Halls" Art show, a celebration of local artists. Currently several of Bob's paintings are on display in the mayor's office in City Hall.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Margaret Morton Palmer. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Heskett of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Lenore Waddington of Groton.

A celebration of Bob's life will take place between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Custom House Maritime Museum, New London. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New London Maritime Society or the Mystic Art Center.

The Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London, is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.neilanfuneralhome.com