Robert Noble

Artist Biography

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Robert Noble was born Edinburgh and died in East Linton, East Lothian, a painter of landscape and genre in oil and occasional watercolour. Robert Noble studied under his cousin J. C. Noble (qv) at Trustees School and RSA Life Class 1879 - 84.

Robert Noble first came to notice with a number of large cottage interiors with figures, deep-toned in their contrasting effects of light and shade, in about 1880. After studying in Paris under Carolus Duran he turned to landscape, a development confirmed when he moved to East Linton.

Robert Noble was a Foundation member and first President of the Society of Scottish Artists 1892.

In 1886, after viewing a number of paintings by Monticelli, Robert Noble produced a series of pictures with brilliantly costumed figures among the blaze of the Tynninghame rhododendrons in full bloom. Always conscious of the design element in his work, Robert Noble employed a subdued palette liking warm and luminous colour.

As Halsby wrote 'a very distinct leaning to warm colour forced to an unnatural intensity, qualities which impressed themselves upon the spontaneous outgoings of his sympathies when face to face with nature, but giving his pictures a certain artificial and made look. On the other hand their refined handling, rich low tone and varnish quality added to the respect for, and skilful use of, traditional design, fit them admirably alongside pictures of the older schools.'

Robert Noble was elected ROI 1897, ARSA 1892, RSA 1903. Exhibited RSA, RA, RSW, ROI, GI and AAS and his paintings are in the collections of the Tate, AG, NGS, and the City of Edinburgh.

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