Bob Rector Art

Aviation Art

Like his portraits, Rector’s paintings of planes and cars reveal their character and personality.

For example, his P-51 in Flying Low evokes a feeling of graceful speed, while the over-the-shoulder look of the C-47 in Company’s Coming suggests rugged purposefulness as the lumbering giant transports paratroopers to Normandy on D-Day. Rector’s planes are always in the focal point of the painting and occupy most of the canvas. The minimalist background enhances rather than distracts. The shading and use of light create an illusion of reality that draws the viewer into the landscape of his paintings.

All originals are acrylic on canvas. Some are still available for sale and come elegantly framed and ready to hang. Giclee reproductions on canvas may also be purchased. Canvases are mailed unstretched and may be placed on stretcher bars or dry-mounted when framed by the customer.Glass is not required for Giclee reproductions on canvas, which retain the look and feel of the original best when not placed behind glass. However, Giclees on art paper will look exactly like an original watercolor and will look best behind glass.

aviation

Car Art

Rector began painting cars in the 1950s as an automotive illustrator in Detroit. His works appeared as advertisements in magazines such as the Saturday Evening Post. Shortly after meeting Rector, the Parfitts commissioned him to do a painting of Hank’s blue 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais convertible. This was the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between CCG&B and Bob Rector.

Rector produced a number of illustrations of cars. All of his originals are acrylic on canvas. Some originals are still available for sale and come elegantly framed and ready to hang.

Giclee Reproductions on canvas or art paper may also be purchased in a variety of sizes. Canvases are mailed unstretched and may be placed on stretcher bars or dry-mounted when framed by the customer.

cars

Fayetteville Art

Although Bob Rector practiced his art from Michigan to California and even in Europe, he found a home in Fayetteville, NC.

Historic Downtown is undergoing revitalization after suffering from the effects of suburbanization common in America in the 60s and 70s. The many old building from the late 1800s and the individuals who were determined to renovate them and locate their businesses there inspired Rector to paint the images in Rebirth of a City – Contemporary Images of Olde Fayetteville.

These images depict an American past that is being restored to the present like an old sepia photograph. The storefronts, the window reflections, the architectural detail – all portrayed in Rector’s realistic style – evoke a sense of history and community that bind us all together.

These images of Fayetteville and all are available as Giclees as well as holiday note cards.

Fayetteville

Angel of Hope

The Angel of Hope Monument was introduced in a book, “The Christmas Box,” by Richard Paul Evans. Although the book was a work of fiction, the original statue once existed in Salt Lake City and was thought to have been destroyed.

After the publication of his book, Evans heard reports that parents who had lost a child were seeking the Angel as a place to mourn and honor the memory of their beloved children. He then commissioned a statue based on the description in his book. Replicas of this statue have been placed in other communities in the United States and others are planned world wide.

Bob Rector created this painting of the Angel of Hope Statue in Cross Creek Park in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In the background is First Presbyterian Church, built in 1816. The statue was brought to this community by a local group headed by Lori Farmer with the help of SHARE and Compassionate Friends support groups. Rector’s uplifting image of the statue compels the viewer to pause a moment for thoughtful reflection.

Reproductions of Rector’s painting of Angel of Hope have found a home in hospitals, clinics and chapels. The note card with this image has become a popular way to send a message of sympathy. Groups wishing to use the note cards for a fundraiser may contact us for special pricing. The Angel of Hope image is used with permission of Richard Paul Evans, Inc.

The original painting of the Angel of Hope has been sold. Note cards and Giclee reproductions on canvas are available for sale. In order to purchase note cards, reproductions or other original artwork by Bob Rector, please contact us at [email protected] or call 910-678-8899 or fax 910-864-8899.

Legacy of Freedom

Freedom Memorial Park in downtown Fayetteville, NC was designed to be one of the premier Veterans parks in the southeastern United States. It serves as a fitting tribute to the men and women in uniform who have served our country.

This project was funded by private donations. As part of the fund-raising campaign, renowned artist Bob Rector was commissioned to create Legacy of Freedom for art prints and note cards. His image of carefree children at play represents the freedom we enjoy because of our veterans’ sacrifices.

The original painting is privately owned, but Giclee reproductions of Legacy of Freedom on canvas or art paper are still available. To order, contact us through this website, visit City Center Gallery & Books at 112 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC or call us at (910)678-8899.

 

Veterans (left to right)

Second Lieutenant Horace “Rock” Miller – flew 15 combat missions in WWII in the P-47 Thunderbolt, affectionately known as “The Jug”, from Ie Shima in the Okinawan Islands. After the war, went to medical school and practiced in Fayetteville, NC for 40 years.

Sergeant Noel Paton – served with the 344th Tank Corps in WWI and received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism at Woel, France on Sept 14, 1918. After the war, owned and operated a commercial photography studio in downtown Fayetteville until 1960.

Tech Sergeant John A. Chapman – combat controller with the 24th Special Tactics Squadron. First uniformed American serviceman killed by enemy fire in Afghanistan. Awarded the Air Force Cross posthumously for heroism against the enemy during a firefight in the eastern highlands of Afghanistan on March 4, 2002.

WAC Hazel Elphee – her signed photograph was found in a picture album kept by WACs at Ft. Bragg during WWII. Although no biographical information was available, the artist was struck by her poise and the kindness in her face. She represents all women who served their country and the cause of freedom so nobly during WWII.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Fred Farmer – served in the all-black 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (the “Triple Nickel”) from 1946 to 1947 and the 505th Airborne from 1948-1953. Later, two tours of duty flying combat missions in Vietnam. Awards include the Master Parachutist and Glider Badges, Air Medal with 17 OLC, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Vietnamese Cross for Gallantry. Retired as Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1967. He resided in Fayetteville, NC after 29 years in the U.S. Civil Service.

The children in this painting are from many different backgrounds. Although they and their families live in Fayetteville, they represent the freedom all Americans enjoy because of the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, past and present.

Other Art By Bob Rector

During his 10-year collaboration with the Parfitts and City Center Gallery & Books, Bob Rector was commissioned by numerous individuals to paint portraits of their children and grandchildren, spouses, and even their pets. His special gift was the ability to capture the character, inner strength or personality of that person.

Rector also enjoyed painting in the style of some of his favorite artists. He greatly admired Norman Rockwell and copied several of his paintings, always acknowledging that directly on the canvas. The painting at the right, Lady in Red, was done as a tribute to George Petty. Petty’s female subjects were often used as “nose-art” on bombers in WWII. Rector’s version, a very large canvas, is available for purchase on request.

Note cards of the Lady in Red, Legacy of Freedom, Angel of Hope, and all of the Downtown images are also available for purchase and they make a great way to stay in touch with family or friends who live out of town.

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