Robert LeRoy Knudson

Robert “Bob” Knudson, southwest artist and long-time resident of Arizona, passed away December 14, 2022, in Prescott Valley. He was born November 16, 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Showing an early talent for drawing, Bob took formal training at Minneapolis College of Art & Design, graduating in 1950. Initially he worked in advertising art and business management, but following a move to Arizona with his wife Lola and two daughters, his overwhelming desire to paint led him to choose an art career. For the next sixty years, Bob became a master in oils, acrylics, watercolors, and particularly pastels. Bob and Lola spent much time on location throughout the southwest, she working on her creative passion, writing, while he researched and painted. Deeply inspired by the vast landscapes and vibrant colors, he sought to capture the dramatic cloud-filled skies and play of light and shadows on red sandstone or pine-covered mountains. He became known as a “painter of light.” Bob taught various art classes and private students, mentoring many who attest to the deep impact of his teaching on their work. His work has been shown in galleries in Arizona, Wyoming, New York, Texas, and New Mexico, in many private collections, and has also appeared in publications such as Arizona Highways, Southwest Art, and Western Art Digest. In recent years, he showed at the Frame & I gallery in Prescott, Arizona, where he also conducted painting demonstrations for Friday Art Walks. Though his work was mostly representational, Bob spent his last years exploring abstract art, work not seen publicly. He never retired from painting, but continued growing in his craft to the end, even finding joy in a long-sought-for breakthrough just weeks before his passing. Bob was a man of deep faith in God, which fueled and inspired both his art and life. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and a good friend to many, ever eager to share an encouraging word or offer prayer. He is survived by his two daughters, Wendy Dellinger (Matt) and Robyn Nelton (Robert); sisters Doris Knudson and Becky Carney (Joe); brothers David and Bill Knudson; three granddaughters, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. Thoughts may be left at the Sunrise Funeral Home website, https://www.sunrisefuneralhome.com.

Robert LeRoy Knudson

November 16, 1929 - December 14, 2022