I’ve known Robert Steele for over 20 years.  He’s been an artist all his life.  So, the question is, why have I waited so long to purchase his art?  Robert is retired these days and has time to do the things he loves; paint and draw.  He works out of his home and puts his work on Facebook for all to see.

I purchased this drawing from him this week.  I loved the attention to detail.  The old Viking face shows the years and hardship of a life lived up north in the cold. Out front for all to see is the sword that was continually by his side for the battle that was sure to come. 

I love Viking lore and that is why this picture struck me.  This guy could be Odin – main god of the Viking religion – or just someone with a boat and a family to feed seeking his fortune.  It doesn’t matter. The eyes, permanently squinted against snow and glare, show pain and strength and I am honored to have him hanging in my home.

Robert is a Viet Nam vet whose art reflects that conflict sometimes.  He paints guitars and motorcycles also.  Some of his art is fantasy, and at one time he painted the walls of his son’s bedroom with a Mayan jungle theme complete with pyramids and monkeys. He can draw anything he can imagine.

I know the vendors at the Heavener Runestone Viking Fest will be jealous of my purchase.  Maybe we should try to get him to join us sometime.

 Check out Robert Steele at his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/robert.steele.10 .  See what you think.