Robert Birdwell Jr.

Robert L. Birdwell, Jr.,

Knoxville, TN

Robert L. Birdwell Jr. age 91, passed away March 8, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. He was an incredibly talented and versatile Knoxville painter and art instructor whose work is currently featured in the Knoxville Museum of Art's exhibition "The Knoxville 7". Robert was born July 12, 1924 in Knoxville. He graduated a scholar athlete from Sullivan High School in Kingsport in 1943. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He received his BFA from University of Tennessee in 1950 and his MFA at University of Iowa in 1952 where he continued post-graduate work under fellowship. He joined the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1954 and worked as Staff Artist and Display Coordinator until retirement in 1983. He was Adjunct Instructor of Art at Maryville College for 10 years and taught classes at Oak Ridge Art Center for over 40 years. He is the only member of the Knoxville 7 originally from East Tennessee. The group produced some of the first abstract works in East Tennessee, and was responsible for reinvigorating the area's contemporary art scene during the mid 20th century. Downtown Knoxville was a favorite painting location for Birdwell, and his canvases and watercolors capture the intricate interplay of geometric forms, varying textures, and contrasting colors along Gay Street and other local avenues. He was also a talented figure painter who often rendered street vendors, panhandlers, and other urban dwellers with great sensitivity and dignity. During the last decades of his career, Birdwell shifted from abstract painting in favor of colorful and detailed watercolor scenes of Knoxville and vicinity. His paintings are in numerous public and private collections regionally, nationally and internationally. He has exhibited in many one and two-person shows, juried and invitational, and has won many awards. His works are displayed in the KMA's "Higher Ground" permanent exhibit. " I have spent my life in study and experimentation in art. I have determined a direction that seems to best express my feelings regarding nature and the human condition. That direction has never strayed far from my view of the artist as a poet, one who uses paint rather than words to evoke the imagination. I strive to present a vision that has meaning beyond the obvious, to induce some element of mystery in the mind of the viewer".

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Sr. and Ella, and by 8 of his siblings. He is survived by brother Ernest of Hendersonville, TN; wife Ann Brewer Birdwell, Powell; son Ron Birdwell, Knoxville; daughter Candace Crum, Mt. Pleasant, SC; daughter Courtney Waller, Covington, GA; son Robert Birdwell, Oak Ridge; Grandchildren Christy Birdwell, Powell; Russell (Paloma) Birdwell, Santiago, Chile; Matt (Jessica) Birdwell, Knoxville; MacKenzie Crum, Mt. Pleasant, SC; Madeline, Sam and Ella Birdwell, Powell; Benjamin Birdwell, Oak Ridge; Great Granddaughter Hailey Birdwell, Knoxville.

To honor Robert's wishes no service will be held. He requested that the community visit the "Knoxville 7" exhibit at KMA through April 17 and the "Family Affair" Exhibit at Oak Ridge Art Center March 12th - April 30th, both free admission. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to support local art.