The Accidental Painter
Robert Tabor's journey into the world of fine art began unexpectedly at the age of 51. Originally a traveling paint salesman from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, his path shifted during the Great Depression in 1933. Following the accidental damage of a reproduction of Winslow Homer's The Herring Net, Tabor turned to his own canvas. Though his initial attempts were discarded as failures, he eventually gained the respect of his family and found a place within the Public Works of Art Project. Despite the reservations of Grant Wood, who admitted it was against his better judgment to accept him, Tabor's talent emerged through works like Vendue, which depicted an Iowa farm being sold.
Legacy and Notable Works
Tabor's career spanned several decades, marked by significant recognition and diverse subject matter. His work Vendue was exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and was displayed at the White House, having previously been shown at the Museum of Modern Art. Other notable pieces include:
In his later years, Tabor was active in his community, founding an art society in Oelwein, Iowa, and working to establish an art guild in Olathe, Kansas.
Questions & Answers
What moods do Robert Tabor's artworks express?
The artist's Mood Room page shows Robert Tabor's artworks arranged by their atmosphere.
How do I find works by Robert Tabor in a specific palette?
The By Palettes page groups Robert Tabor's artworks by their color palettes.
Can I browse Robert Tabor's works by movement?
Robert Tabor's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.
Where is Robert Tabor from?
Robert Tabor was born in United States.
