Background
Robert Qualters was born on March 13, 1934 in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, United States. His mother served as a schoolteacher and father was a county assessor.
Robert Qualters was born on March 13, 1934 in Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, United States. His mother served as a schoolteacher and father was a county assessor.
Robert finished Clairton High School in 1951. Some time later he continued his studies and entered Carnegie Institute of Technology (nowadays Carnegie Mellon University). In 1953 Robert's studies were interrupted — the painter was sent to the army. Two years later, in 1955, he spent one more year at Carnegie Tech upon his return to Pittsburgh. The following year, Robert entered the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, where he attained Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
During the period from 1962 to 1968, Robert Qualters taught at the State University of New York at Oswego. Since 1968, upon his settlement in Pittsburgh, Robert lectured at different universities, such as University of Pittsburgh, Carlow College, Slippery Rock State University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and others.
He also served as an artist-in-residence at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School and visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome.
Robert's works were exhibited in Pennsylvania, New York, California, Maine and West Virginia.
Robert Qualters is mostly known for his colorful depictions of Pittsburgh's neighborhoods, bridges, and steel mills as well as self-portraits.
During his lifetime, the painter received local grants and commissions.
On March 11, 2014, Pittsburgh City Council presented Robert Qualters with an official City Proclamation.
On July 24, 2014, Pennsylvania First Lady Susan Corbett announced Robert Qualters as the Pennsylvania Artist of the Year at the Pennsylvania Governor's Arts Awards 2014.
Self Portrait (With Mark Perrot)
Mary Shaw
Spring Bridge
Birdland (with Mark Perrott)
The Shadow of Night
Kennywood Memories – Kiddieland
Nick’s Shoe Repair
January Thaw
Edward Hopper Was Driving
For John Kane
Digging for Night Crawlers
Hazelwood – 2nd Avenue
Rheas Bakery
Orangutan Dreams
Big Self-Portrait
Robert's wife, Joanne Ricchi, died in 2010. The couple gave birth to two sons — Robert Qualters III and Brett Qualters.
