Bob McGill

Bob McGill is a native Californian who has lived in Tennessee since 1980. He makes his home high on a bluff overlooking the Cumberland River, just a few miles from downtown Nashville.

Bob always enjoyed drawing and painting as a child, but because a high school art teacher discouraged him in the late 60s, he abandoned art. It was not until 1995 after much encouragement from family and friends that he started painting again.

The most common tool used to create his paintings is a common safety razor. He uses brushes sparingly, and more frequently than not, it is the wooden handle end that leaves its mark on his works. The majority of his pieces are displayed in frames that are as much a piece of the artwork as the painting itself. Usually, the frames are hand painted to complement the painting they are displaying.

Numerous pieces of Bob’s works have been requested by local and national agencies for presentation in fund raising events, including the American Cancer Society, The W. O. Smith School, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, The American Heart Association, Kings Daughters Day Home, and the American Parkinson Disease Association. Several of his works have been used in television commercials. He has attended numerous regional outsider art shows, including the annual Finster Fest held in Summerville, Georgia.

The reason Bob paints is simple: “ When I wake up in the morning I like to look around and see things that make me smile. In today’s world there is so much stress. People are rushing here and there, never taking the time to stop and really look at things. Many people seem to be so busy that they forget to enjoy life. I paint with bright, bold, happy colors that I hope make people stop and take notice. There is nothing more satisfying then having someone stop, look at one of my paintings, and break out in a big smile. That is what life is all about...being happy.”

One other artist who provided great inspiration to Bob was Walter Bunn Gray. During his life, Bunn provided guidance to many beginning artists, including Bob. Bunn liked to say that he couldn’t teach anybody anything about art, but he could provide guidance and direction to someone who had the determination and didn‘t know where to take it. Bunn provided Bob the direction he needed.

Bob is represented by The Arts Company and Midtown Gallery in Nashville.