Rob MacIntosh, born in South Africa in 1949, is a self-taught artist renowned for his photorealistic paintings that encompass wildlife, landscapes, seascapes, and urban scenes. His artistic journey began in childhood, winning his first art award at the age of seven.
Initially, MacIntosh pursued a career as a commercial artist for nearly fifteen years before dedicating himself to fine art in 1980. His early works focused on seascapes, inspired by his relocation to South Africa’s coast in 1982. Subsequent explorations into the African bush diversified his portfolio to include landscapes and wildlife.
In 1984, MacIntosh traveled to the United States, seeking broader artistic opportunities. Critiques from established artists like Harley Brown and Bob Kuhn encouraged him to specialize, leading to his prominence as a wildlife artist. After moving to the U.S. in 1988, he garnered recognition, winning a Merit Award from the Society of Animal Artists in 1989.
Desiring creative freedom beyond wildlife art, MacIntosh expanded his subjects to include seascapes, urban landscapes, and still life. His versatility and commitment to photorealism have earned him numerous awards and exhibitions in galleries across the United States and South Africa.
His dedication to capturing the intricate details of his subjects continues to captivate audiences worldwide. “My style is a blend of illusion that captures the realism that keeps my collectors in awe and combines it with a mood, and emotion or a feeling, which in turn makes it a magical moment, frozen in time.”