As amazing and awe-inspiring as his artwork is, people who got the fortunate opportunity to get to know and learn from Rob were treated to lessons ranging far beyond the technicalities of holding a brush or composing a painting.

Rob was passionate about the power of watercolor. He deeply believed in its uniqueness as an art form and was a tireless advocate for its seriousness as a creative medium. Through his groundbreaking work with vivid color palettes and imposing and unorthodox scale, Rob made people notice what he was doing. His paintings leap off the walls and pull the viewer into the atmosphere he created, one of glowing energy and fantastic landscapes full of motion and surprises.

Those of us who enjoyed Rob's friendship and instruction knew that he really did see the world the way he depicted it in his work. Often humorously described as the “Erdle Luck” by his wife Millie, things had a way of working out for Rob. The groups he lead around the globe often found trains they were about to miss suddenly running behind schedule - allowing them to board, restaurants that appeared full strangely having room for one more party and cross country treks amazingly not being as exhausting as they seemed before departing. More than luck, these fortunate occurrences were a product of Rob’s zest for life and amazingly positive attitude. He had things to say and do, and there was simply no obstacle that would dare put up much of a fight.

Nowhere was this more evident than Rob's journey over the last two years of his life. Diagnosed with an extremely rare and terminal form of cancer, Rob stunned doctors and technicians by accepting treatment for, but never truly acknowledging the disease. He had paintings to finish, showings to attend, students to teach and trips to take. The result was an incredible period of experience and productivity, all while so browbeating his ailment that it was forced to take 18 months longer to run its course than Rob’s medical staff had ever witnessed before. As an example of how to approach the challenges of the world, Rob's approach was a shining beacon, and provided inspiration above and beyond his artwork.

Like a stone thrown into a lake, the ripples of influence generated by Rob Erdle will continue to motivate others, change lives, and help people to see for generations to come. Rob's vision of what watercolor could be was so powerful that the website he founded, watercolorworldwide.com, will continue on to present the message he dedicated his life to. In the coming months, more of Rob's work will be added, and new sections will be appear, providing a forum for other artists who strive to strive to push this unique medium to new levels.

If you have any comments, stories or inspiring moments you would like to share about Rob or his work, please email them to us at info@watercolorworldwide.com We will be compiling them in a section showcasing the continuing influence of Rob Erdle.