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Growing up in Gulfport with the beach as his sandbox and massive live oaks supporting his tree houses, Robert Waldrop has experienced the Gulf Coast from the eyes of a child and the inspiration of an artist. “Growing up around such beauty and culture, it’s hard not to be inspired by the years of taking it all in.”
Robert received an Associates degree in art from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After working as a graphic artist, he went to work for Lamar Advertising painting billboards. Robert’s paintings on massive “canvases” peppered the highways until technology brought about the replacement of billboard painters with computer printers.
A career move as a fireman for the Gulfport Fire Department in 1993 allowed Robert the opportunity to explore watercolor and make his art a more personal reflection of his love for the Gulf Coast. 1 le began exhibiting his work in 1995 at Serenity Gallery in Bay St. Louis and his work is now shown at galleries all along the coast.
Many years of watching locals fish and crab off the piers and bridges inspired his work in Blue Crabs. “This is our heritage; this is Mississippi.” Ridley was inspired by his constant search for sea turtles which are rarely seen in the waters of the Mississippi coast.
‘Having my work on the bridge lias to be my greatest achievement so far. It is an honor to have my work on the Bay of St. Louis Bridge as well as the Biloxi Bridge. It is my hope that many generations to come will enjoy the work from all of the artists.”