Robert L. Osborne

I was thinking of Mr. Osborne, did a search and to my sadness I discovered he passed this past August. He was a fine art history teacher and creative painter during my time at Ringling in the mid 70's. It was always exciting when he would bring in his latest painting and explain the symbology in the work. His use of color and attached materials was an outstanding addition to the viewer's experience. I also recall fondly the Beaux Arts Ball when he would turn one of his paintings into his costume. Outstanding! The world will miss a talent and fine person as you Mr. Osborne.

I just learned the world lost a wonderful, gifted man as I was seeking to get in touch with him. He was my art history instructor. His use of color had a profound influence on me and such to this day. For those that didn't know him, I am sad. We were of the Ringling School of Art, the original school, class of 1975. I will think of you when I look at my old art history book or smell the oil paint on a fresh palette. Rest in peace my friend, may we meet again.

i remember him walking on the campus of ringling..talking to students and other teachers..his lectures on art history...his paintings..he always had a smile on his face..that is the way i will remember mr. osborne..i was lucky to have known him..my condolences to his family and friends..

My Art teacher at Central High in Evansville, Had me make art from driftwood from the Ohio river, best thing he could of had me do. Thank you Mr. Osborne see you soon

a nice easy going man. i loved his skateborder paintings from around 1980. taught art history to us students in 1979. Paul Bailey

Mr. Osborne was my drawing instructor during my first year at Ringling. I complained to him about my grade of 'C' at the mid term and explained that I thought that I had made great improvement. He said 'Yes you have and if you hadn't you would be failing this course.'
I took his words to heart and never earned another 'C' again. I credit him with that.

Mr. Osborne was my Art History instructor in the late 1980's, at Ringling. I loved his classes. I must have written the entire course in my notes. I credit him with expanding my love of both Art and History. He made a difference in many lives.
- Nora Rule Barber

I had Bob for Art History in 1975 and studied under him in my fourth year in 1979 because he was the most talented artist I had ever met. I truly admired him and his paintings. Sorry for your loss.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Robert was my art teacher in Evansville, and then our paths crossed years later in Sarasota. Condolences to his family.

I was very lucky to have Mr. Osborne as a teacher at Ringling in the late 70s, he was a talented artist and a wonderful and caring person. My deepest condolences to his family.

Thank you for making the history of art so interesting. You helped shape my own young artist life as well as hundreds of others. RIP Mr. Osborne

Bob was my art history teacher at Ringling College of Art and Design way back in 1973 for several years. I remember this mind mannered man entertaining us with stories of the old masters, many times on Saturdays which was not a day students liked to attend classes, yet he kept us interested.

I remember his beautiful paintings, especially a solitary woman gazing off in the distance on the beach. He definitely had a love for women.

The old campus has dramatically changed, but when I think back, I will always fondly remember him and the other teachers of the Ringling I knew: McCurry, Custode, Sweney, Gregory, Patmagrian, Mitchell, Roberts, Habblitz, Kaiser, Larsen, Hartman, Warkentin, Murphy and Pappy and others.

I never did leave Sarasota to find my fame and fortune. But, I will always be thankful for those who nurtured my passion for art. He and the others touched my life and my heart.
www.srqart.net

Mr. Osborne was my Art History and Perspective teacher my first year at Ringling...which was his first year there as well. I loved him as a teacher; he had such a gentleness of spirit. His artwork was magical and he will be greatly missed.

I was happy to know Bob while he taught at Ringling College of Art and Design...he loved his students and was a very encouraging influence on so many at the college. May his spirit rest in peace. Bless your heart Bob - you are remembered as a kind, generous man who ignited the imaginations and creativity of so many...your paintings will always be appreciated as you were.

It was my pleasure to serve with Bob for 25 years. Without his efforts to get the school accredited in 1979. Ringling would not even exist today. He was loved by all his students. May he rest in peace.

My prayers go out to Bob and his family.