Rob Havassy

If Matisse or Picasso had grown-up surfing and golfing in Southern California, they might likely have turned-out like Robb Havassy. A former international fashion model for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Armani, Havassy, a graduate of U.C. Irvine, began painting in 1996 after receiving a beginner's art kit he had received as a 26th birthday present. Self-taught, his first painting was a small surfing portrait for photographer and friend Bruce Weber. Seven years and more than 1,000 paintings later, the success that followed Havassy’s first little watercolor has been manifold, garnering both national and international response. Highly regarded for his brilliant use of color as well as his eclectic mix of style, motion and inspirational subject matter, Havassy enjoys full-time creative license, a new marriage and a home, steps away from the beach in Newport Beach, Calif.