Having a bachelor’s degree in psychology, as well as a master’s degree in nursing, Robbins Richardson offers something very unique as a portrait painter. Her nursing career has depended on her correctly observing a person’s emotional expressions and body language and her understanding of the anatomy and workings of the physical being. In keeping with her fascination with the human entity, she brings this training to the table in what she loves to express with her art – that of the study of people.

Although Robbins was formally educated in the sciences, she grew up being affected by family members who loved the arts. From an early age she was drawing and painting at her mother’s kitchen table. This was the person who first taught her to see – to observe both the simple and the striking beauty around her. The love for art was there, but she was encouraged to follow a common view of the times and to choose a more “reliable” career.

Fortunately, passion will override practicality. After showing her desires and abilities, she was encouraged and mentored by her uncle, Guy Lipscomb. For a number of years she worked with watercolors and took opportunities to study under other accomplished artists. During this period her work was accepted in many national shows including the Salmagundi 13th Annual Exhibition, New York, New York; The National Exhibition of Women’s Artwork on Paper, Rochester, New York (purchase award); the Poldi Hirsh Memorial National Invitational, Washington, DC; the Northeast Watercolor Society; the New England Watercolor Society; the Midwest Watercolor Society; and the Society of Western Artists. Robbins was also honored with several one person shows.

She continued to work part time in nursing, had children, and then in the summer of 2001, she was introduced to pastels in a local two-day workshop taught by a contagiously enthusiastic teacher, Karen Chambers. Robbins was “hooked”. Working with this medium with its intense and direct application combined with the interactions with the people who she has met through her art has created an enjoyment beyond compare. She accepts commissions and actively paints and competes with her personal work.

2005- The Pastel Journal 6th Annual Pastel 100 Competition- Honorable Mention in the Portrait and Figure Category The International Association of Pastel Societies Eight Juried Exhibition
2004- The Pastel Society of America Thirty- Second Annual Open Juried Exhibition The Southeastern Pastel Society 11th International Open Juried Exhibition- Merit Award
2003- The Rock School Arts Foundation- four person show Hendersonville’s Art Council-2nd Place
2002- The Southeastern Pastel Society 10th International Open Juried Exhibition
2001- The Association of Asheville Artists Fall Juried Exhibition – 1st Place The Rock School Arts Foundation 14th Annual Open Art Competition- 1st Place