ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Robert A. Maguire was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1921. He attended Manhattan College and Duke University before going to art school, studying with Frank Reilly at the Art Students League in New York City. Reilly was a noted artist and illustrator and an admirer of Dean Cornwell, the illustrator and muralist.
After three years of intense study, Maguire began his long and distinguished career as a book illustrator. His works over the years have graced the covers of Gothic and Romance novels by virtually every paperback book company - if you are a reader of this type of novel, you have seen Maguire’s work.
Between book assignments, Maguire painted for various galleries around the country. He exhibited at the Grand Central Art Gallery, the Pritchard, and at the Society of Illustrators in New York City. In New Jersey, he exhibited at the Bergen County Museum of Fine Arts, the “Barn” of Ridgewood, and at the J.M. Stringer Gallery's previous sister location in Bernardsville. Maguire won first prize in oil for his painting “Homage to Quan Yin” at an exhibit at the Paper Mill Playhouse under the auspices of the American Artists Professional League.
Maguire is known for his exquisite landscapes and floral still life paintings. Many years ago he was moved dramatically by the work of the great still life master, Hovsep Pushman, and since then was fascinated by the history of ancient China. Continuing in Pushman's footsteps, Maguire recaptured this beautiful subject matter in his own unique way. His technique and execution in creating these treasured paintings are astounding.
Maguire had extended shows of his work at the Gallery Rodeo at Lake Arrowhead and Hollywood, California. Scottsdale, Arizona was another venue for Maguire’s exhibitions, most notably at the O’Brien Gallery. However, J.M. Stringer Gallery has the privilege of selling the remaining paintings of Mr. Maguire, who passed away in February, 2005.