"My art is an extension of my interests and passions. I never tire of observing my subjects in their natural surroundings before I try to bring them to life with my paints. I hope my work brings fond memories to mind, stirs your inner passions, and causes you to have a greater appreciation of our Creator and His creation."

- Robert W Hickman

Originally from Ohio, Robert W. Hickman has lived in the South most of his life and in South Carolina since 1977. He attended Clemson University where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Inspired by the watercolor paintings of his father-in-law, in 1994 he decided to try his hand at it. Progress came quickly and after only several years of developing his talent, he decided he wanted to pursue it as more than a hobby. He was able to go to part-time status with his engineering job at Michelin Tire which allowed more time to devote to his art career.

Hickman began his focus on wildlife and sporting dogs in late 1998. In the years since then his award-winning artwork has been featured on several outdoor shows and appeared on over 20 magazine and catalog covers. The 2013 L.L. Bean Spring Hunting Catalog, which featured his wild turkey piece titled “Last Dance”, is his most noteworthy cover to date.

Other honors that have come his way are being selected to paint the 2003 National Striped Bass Association print of the year, being included in Quail Unlimited’s national art package, and having multiple pieces picked for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 2013 and 2014 wildlife calendars. His work has been juried into shows such as Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (Charleston, SC) and Plantation Wildlife Art Festival (Thomasville, Ga.) and can be found in prominent galleries such as The Audubon Gallery in Charleston, SC. His most recent honor is being selected as the 2013 North Carolina Ducks Unlimited artist of the year with his Boykin Spaniel painting titled “Carolina Dreaming” being chosen as their 2013 print of the year.

He works primarily in acrylics, and occasionally works in oils, gouache, or graphite. In addition to his planned projects, he accepts a limited number of commissioned dog portraits each year as time permits. His work can be found in private and corporate collections across the US and Canada. Hickman can be found enjoying life in Lexington, South Carolina with his wife Mary Ann, son Brent, and their Golden Retriever Amber Waves, and Boykin Spaniel Edisto.