Robert Clifford Rishell was instrumental in founding the Oakland Museum, and remained active in its support the rest of his life. He was son of an Oakland Mayor, Clifford E. Rishell (Mayor 1949-1961). He was a graduate of the California College of Arts and Crafts, and later a member of the Society of Western Artists. He studied under Xavier Martinez. He was influenced to paint California's deserts by friend and artist Jimmy Swinnerton and became friends with another desert painter, John W. Hilton

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His notariety as an artist brought him an invitation to become a member of the Bohemian Club. His daughter recalls that Bob really enjoyed the Bohemian campouts, as he was a tent mate of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and novelist Herman Wouk.

In 1974, he was commissioned to paint the official gubernatorial portrait of Ronald Reagan. This portrait is now on display in the California State Capitol Museum. Rishell's paintings show a stark contrast of lightand shadow, and are quite distinctive. His works were included in the collections of Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater

Click here to listen and/or read a fascinating, entertaining and instructive KGO interview with Bob Rishell, March 1, 1969.