The only thing glowing brighter than Sonia Robinson’s personality are her wildly imaginative paintings. She creates whimsical and often spiritually-inspired compositions that are truly mesmerizing. Robinson slings her paint seemingly non-stop, mostly on wooden panels – and occasionally on canvas – using her signature, mixed-media approach, making her work like nothing else you’ll find.
Robinson’s self-taught style helps to set her work apart from that of other artists. She has a playful, childlike handling of her subjects sure to bring about feelings of joy in the hearts and minds of viewers.
Robinson was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota and vacationed to the Keys back in 1970. This began a love affair with the islands that continues to this day. Today, the Florida Keys are her second home and she clearly makes the most of her time here.
Robinson’s expressionism incorporates elements of mixed-media collage along with occasional typography used to further the positive messages of love, hope and kindness embedded within her creations. Acrylic paint is her primary medium, but Robinson builds depth through vivid color mixtures and variations on thick (tactile) paint applications finished with thin washes of reduced consistency color and gloss. The end result is simply brilliant.
“I originally began my art career as a fine leather craftsman, and I’m still known today as the ‘Leather Lady of Key West,’” said Robinson. “Over the years, I did collections for Fast Buck Freddie’s and even had my own business on Greene Street. I moved into Guild Hall Gallery in the early 1980s and expanded into hand painted clothing. From there it was an easy leap to painting in the format I use today.”
Robinson has an incredibly large body of work spanning subjects from architecture and angels to lovable canines and curious kittens. Regarding the recurring theme of dogs, she said, “My work is ever-evolving and I paint what I love. My husband Gregg and I have always had rescue dogs and they show up in much of my work.”
Robinson is an owner of Guild Hall Gallery located at 614 Duval St. in Old Town Key West. She welcomes guests to come connect with her there and purchase the perfect piece of her art. “My biggest thrill is to be at the gallery and meet people purchasing my artwork. There’s always a great story to go along with it and the connection is heartfelt for me. I am fortunate to get up every day and do what I love.”
The tropical flavor and bold and bright colors in her paintings combine with an unmistakable style adored by art lovers and collectors throughout the Florida Keys and beyond. Make the trip down to Old Town Key West and visit her colorful creations today. Her paintings are available in every size and shape imaginable, from tiny 4-inch square panels to larger-than-life florals and still life paintings on stretched canvas. Prices on small prints, cards and tiny paintings range from $12 to $35, and her larger pieces are available from $100 to $800.
