About

The Artistry of Bob Livingston

From Wilderness Explorer to Landscape Painter

Bob Livingston’s artistic journey is inseparable from a life spent chasing the remote and untamed. For decades, his creative practice has been rooted in the plein air tradition—the demanding discipline of painting entirely outdoors, directly exposed to the elements. Following twenty years of watercolor and a decade of acrylics, a profound shift occurred when Bob met his partner, Shanghai-born landscape painter Qi Lu. Together, they began traveling, sailing, and painting throughout New England and the Eastern Seaboard.

From the shifting light of the Berkshires and the Adirondacks to the rugged Maine woods, Florida swamps, and Arizona deserts, their artistic expeditions capture the American landscape across all four seasons. As their partnership and travels progressed, they embraced oil painting on canvas and hardboard, finding the medium’s rich, expressive qualities perfect for translating the raw texture of nature.

A Convergence of Science, Discipline, and Art

What sets Bob’s work apart is the remarkable diversity of the life behind the brush. He brings to the canvas the precise eye of a field biologist and the visionary drive of a tech entrepreneur, having founded Arion Water, a leading high-purity water firm serving the semiconductor and biopharmaceutical industries.

His commitment to the wild is absolute. Whether sailing a 37-foot Pacific Seacraft on unpredictable coastal waters, winter camping solo after studying Inuit survival techniques, or capturing rare wildlife footage via remote trail cameras, Bob does not merely look at nature—he embeds himself within it. This lifelong immersion is further shaped by a dedicated martial arts practice, which instills the intense focus and discipline required to navigate the uncertainties of the creative process.

Capturing the Essence of the Natural World

Bob’s artistic practice seamlessly bridges the immediate energy of field work with the reflective depth of the studio. From rapid pencil sketches and fluid watercolors to layered acrylics and powerful oils, his work is a continuous exploration of light, texture, and atmosphere.

Bob constantly pushes the boundaries of his craft—seeking out inspiring, untouched locations, experimenting with new materials, and refining his vision. The result is a diverse, compelling body of work that reflects a lifetime of adventure and a deep, enduring reverence for the natural world.