Robert Lougheed (May 27, 1910 – June 3, 1982) emerged as a distinguished American artist with roots tracing back to the rural landscapes of Massey, Ontario, Canada. Though his early career led him to become an illustrator for renowned publications like the Toronto Star and various mail-order catalogues, his passion for art led him to further studies at the Ontario College of Art and the École des Beaux-Arts de Montréal.
At the age of twenty-five, Lougheed ventured to New York City, where he honed his craft under the tutelage of Frank Vincent DuMond and Dean Cornwell at the Art Students League. While concurrently maintaining a prolific career as an illustrator for over three decades, his work graced the pages of esteemed publications like National Geographic and Reader's Digest, including the iconic Mobil Oil logo featuring the red flying horse.
Immersing himself in the captivating landscapes of the American West, particularly the historic Bell Ranch in New Mexico, Lougheed drew inspiration from the region's scenic vistas and wildlife. In 1970, he received a notable commission from the United States Post Office Department to design the six-cent buffalo stamp for their Wildlife Conservation Series.
Beyond his contributions to commercial art, Lougheed illustrated beloved children's books, such as Marguerite Henry's horse novels "Mustang" and "San Domingo" and George F. Ellis's "The Bell Ranch As I Knew It." His artistic prowess garnered recognition with multiple awards from the National Academy of Western Art and the Cowboy Artists of America. A testament to his impact, some of his works are enshrined in the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Lougheed's passion for art extended beyond his canvas, leading to the establishment of the National Academy of Art at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Serving as an advisor to the academy for many years, he generously shared his expertise by voluntarily mentoring aspiring painters.
Outside the realm of art, Lougheed showcased his athleticism as an accomplished tournament badminton player, securing numerous regional and Connecticut state doubles titles.
In December 2007, the Lougheed Studio at Claggett/Rey Gallery opened in Vail, Colorado, dedicated to preserving the life and legacy of Robert Lougheed (www.robertlougheed.com). Additionally, January 2010 marked the release of the book "Robert Lougheed: Follow the Sun," providing an in-depth chronicle of the life and career of this prolific artist.
