Bob “Newport Bob” Briscoe

Star, Idaho | Oil & Watercolor | People, Places, Pets & Objects

“Original art of people, places, pets and objects.”

Bob Briscoe’s return to painting began unexpectedly in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2004. After more than 20 years away from painting, Bob received a paint set for his birthday in July. He took his new supplies and an easel to the town square in Newport, across from Bowen’s Wharf, found a shady spot beneath a tree, and began to paint.

Before long, a small crowd had gathered—including Bob’s oldest daughter. Looking at her father painting in the heart of Newport, she suggested, “You should call yourself Newport Bob.”

The name stuck.

A Life of Painting and Travel

Bob and his wife, Sharyn, have lived in communities across the country, including Connecticut, Ohio, North Dakota, Texas, the Boston area, Cape Cod, Newport, Rhode Island, and Southern California. Today they call Star, Idaho, home.

Bob’s travels have provided endless subject matter. He has driven between Boston and Laguna Beach, California, five times, capturing scenes along the way. His paintings reflect his interest in people, places, pets, and the everyday objects that make a place memorable.

Finding His Way Back to Art

Bob studied portrait art at the Boston School of the Fine Arts and continued his education through portrait studies with Boston gallery owner and artist Sheng Yuan Lin and Southern California artist Rafael Maniago.

Although he considers himself largely self-taught, Bob credits much of his artistic development to the encouragement of his older brother, Frank, who was a professional-level artist in Bethel, Connecticut, until his passing in 2018.

Bob typically works in oils and watercolors. For his oil paintings, he often begins with a fast-drying acrylic underpainting, using it to establish depth and color before building the finished work.

Painting the Places Along the Way

Bob’s paintings have been featured and sold through charity and plein air events, including the Newport Art Museum “Wet Paint” event, the San Clemente Plein Air event, and the Waltham Art Association “Paint the River” event.

His work can also be found in local restaurants in Laguna Niguel and at Dana Point Harbor in Southern California.

From a shady tree in a Newport town square to landscapes thousands of miles away, Bob’s artistic journey has always been about stopping to look, setting up his easel, and capturing something worth remembering.

And wherever he goes, “Newport Bob” goes with him.