South Arts Southern Prize and State Fellowships, 2026

Rob Knisely, painting

Artist Statement

For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from creating something that really brings joy to others. It could spark a memory or represent something they love. Perhaps it brings them a sense of peace, taking them to another place for a moment. It could just be something as wonderful as bringing the beauty of the outdoors into their homes.

I like to capture the little moments. Something that catches the eye or touches the soul. A chance encounter with wildlife or an uplifting scene. Sometimes it’s a beautiful place you can escape to and get lost in for a little while. It may depict meaningful objects or animals that have a deep connection, something important and joyful in life.

I love hearing the stories from people who really connect with a piece I’ve done. Always shared with a smile and a warm heart, sometimes with tears.

I work in several mediums, but I tend to focus on acrylic painting. I also love the depth and impact of a highly rendered charcoal. The meditative process of color pencil and graphite drawings are also always in process in the studio.

I don’t have a particular niche, but I do tend to focus on the outdoors. While others paint majestic mountain scenes and big mighty animals, I always notice the little things. A bug, a frog, the way the sun lights a pool on a mountain stream, the hazy glow of a summer afternoon on a small patch of a wild grown field.