LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tyler Robertson decided to pursue a full-time art career two years ago.
What You Need To Know
- Louisville-area artist Tyler Robertson is the official artist of Kentucky Derby 151
- After a teaching career, he pursued art full time two years ago
- His Derby poster shows a tight pack of thoroughbreds and jockeys rounding the first turn, with spring-like colors
- Robertson's works are featured in galleries across the globe
There’s an energy to Robertson’s art. It’s big, bold and often depicts thoroughbred racing.
“I’m typically an impatient painter, so I like to work fast and furious, kind of,” Robertson said.
Those words, “fast” and “furious” describe the Kentucky Derby. Robertson is the official artist of Derby 151.
“I like the abstraction that happens when you’re painting at a large scale where, from a distance, it looks more like what it is,” Robertson said. “And up close, there’s a little more chaos.”
The Indiana native was a longtime elementary school teacher but has always been an artist. Originally working with pencil and ink, Robertson transitioned to paint.
Even as a part-time artist, he honed his skill and style and built relationships in both the art world and the world of horse racing. Two years ago, he threw himself into painting full time.
“I was not an art teacher,” he said. “Everybody always thinks I was an art teacher. Even my close friends will still say, ‘Oh, yeah, he taught art.’ No, I taught reading, writing, math (and) science.”
Robertson will use vivid colors and almost combative strokes, producing abstract images that convey an energy that is authentically equine. His canvases contain multiple layers where paint looks carved away or splattered on.
“And all these runs and splatters are just a way to accentuate movement and excitement and splashing of mud or dirt,” he said.
These are the techniques on display in his official Derby poster. In spring-like colors, it shows a tight pack of thoroughbreds and jockeys rounding the first turn.
“You still get to see the spires; you get to see the crowd,” Robertson said.
Like his art, Robertson’s career has a lot of momentum. His works are featured in galleries across the globe. In fact, Robertson is only a few weeks removed from a showing in London.
But he’ll grab the world’s attention all at once come the first Saturday in May.
“When you go all in, it’s like the universe knows you made the leap," he said.
Visit the Derby website to find Robertson’s merchandise. Check out his website to view his other works.