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Robert Rishell Photo
Robert had a deep respect and love for the Navajo people. He is pictured here with some Navajo jewelry.
Robert Clifford Rishell 1917 -1976
Robert Rishell Trail of the Giants Midsized Thumbnail
"Trail of the Giants"
Robert Rishell Princess Family Horse Midsized Thumbnail
"Princess, Family Horse"
Robert Rishell Mountain Trail Midsized Thumbnail
"Mountain Trail"

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

Robert Rishell Old Barn Hills and Oaks
Old Barn, Hills, and Oaks
SOLD
Robert Rishell Bodega Bay Farmstead Midsized Thumbnail
"O'Shea Farm" Bodega Bay
SOLD

Bodega Bay Heritage Gallery | 1785 Coast Highway One, PO Box 325 Bodega Bay, CA 94923 | 707-875-2911 | Email Us

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.

Rishell Robert Ronald Reagan Portrait Mid .jpg\
Robert Rishell's portait of Gov. Ronald Reagan, CA State Capitol Collection