Apprentice to Master

About the Book

This is the biography of the life of artist Robert James (Bob) Webb, spanning a century of ups and downs of a nation, lovingly told by his wife, Katheryn Webb. At a young age, he was taken under the wing of the famous portrait painter, Fred Mortimer Lamb and later he apprenticed with the famous artist, John Singer Sargent. So impressed was Sargent with Bob’s work and work ethic, he recommended Webb to the Secretary of the Navy to join the newly created Camouflage Department.

He went on to become the first camouflage artist in the Navy during WWI. He decorated Ringling's mansion, painted murals in churches and his final job was working for John D. Rockfeller as head of painting and decorating at the historic village in Williamsburg, Virginia. Bob Webb lived life to the fullest and left grand memories; his effusive nature was big and tender, generous yet frugal.

He also left a legacy in his art works; long to be remembered from Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Florida, and Williamsburg, Virginia; in historic places, mansions, libraries, churches, and many public places where his art played an important part.

About the Author

Born in Dayton, Ohio, Katheryn Webb graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After twenty years of teaching and travel, Katheryn met and married Robert James Webb in 1976. They shared interests in art, travel, and enjoyed their rural home in Williamsburg, Virginia, until Bob's death in 1987.