Rob Vander Zee began his studies at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he studied under the nationally renowned painter and educator, Larry Blovitz. After Aquinas, Rob continued his studies at Michigan State University where he focused his attention on contemporary art theory and the painting process. While at Michigan State, Rob won several fellowships including the very prestigious College of Arts and Letters Merit Scholarship. Rob feels that his education was the perfect culmination of solid academic skills with a strong understanding of contemporary art ideas and theories.
Rob has traveled extensively and has participated in several “visiting artist” programs. He spent three weeks in Romania lecturing on contemporary art ideas and exhibiting at the Cluj-Napoca University. He traveled to Signaghi, Georgia where he studied and exhibited with the Russian Impressionist Painters. On his most recent trip, he visited Tallinn, Estonia, where he gave demonstrations and lectures at art academies and universities. Upon his return to Washington DC, Rob exhibited a large collection of his works at the Estonian Embassy.
Rob is very passionate about painting and takes every opportunity to share that passion with others. In the Spring of 2006, he opened the Vander Zee School of Art in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Rob has a following of forty students at the school, where he serves as their mentor and educator. He exhibits and lectures at many local venues, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm about art. He also created the non-profit organization, The Vander Zee Foundation, which offers scholarships and educational opportunities to Washington DC area artists. The Vander Zee Foundation also offers residency programs for international artists interested in exhibiting their work in the United States.
Rob loves to educate and share his ideas about painting. Yet, his true passion lies in the painting process. “I get lost in my paintings and can stay there for hours creating, layering, and allowing the painting to have a life of its own.” Rob’s work is quickly finding its way into many private national and international collections.
