The word Impressionism conjures certain ideas about art–heavy brushstrokes, an emphasis on nature, and a European ideal. In Rob Longley’s Impressionistic landscapes, the Cape becomes a vision in these techniques, while also highlighting the magical appeal of our special environment.

While working towards his Bachelor of Fine Arts at Boston University, Longley, a long-time lover of the Cape, began to study under the Cape School in Provincetown with painter and teacher Henry Hensche. This style of art, says Longley, involves extensive study into light, shadow, and color. Since the late 1970s, Longley has taught painting on the Cape, currently at the Cape School of Art in Provincetown. 

Though Longley’s background is in oil-based Impressionism, he works hard to “never limit” himself, often experimenting with other modes of art, including printmaking and using found materials. This freedom of expression includes subject matter as well; he has created art surrounding the natural beauty of the Cape, the urban sprawl of New York City, and even been influenced by his visits to the Florida Everglades. “Whatever catches my eye,” he explains.

For the past four years, Longley has been trying to draw everyday, and his filled sketchbooks show this commitment. Out of these sketches, Longley has been able to extract or modify some into black and white paintings, including one that was part of the show “Why Cape Cod?” at the Cape Cod Museum of Art.

His studio at the top floor of Whaler’s Wharf almost resembles the crow’s nest of a ship. In the summer, he keeps the door open to let visitors know he is working and that they are welcome to come take a look. The studio is a treasure trove of finished works, paint brushes and canvases, and treasures discovered in Longley’s father’s barn, like stingray tails and figurines.  

Longley often finds inspiration in creating unique color or atmospheric effects. He points out a large thundercloud-dominated canvas. Dark gray clouds seep in along the edges, covering a yellow sun. “I wanted to capture the drama of the storm,” he explains. 

Through his decades of experience, Longley has found techniques to get past artist’s block. “While working on a canvas, I’ll often sit back and think, ‘Is this working?’ And if not, I have to figure out what’s off,” he says. He is not afraid to completely rework a canvas or even tear one up if it’s not coming together. Still, he says, “After I’ve lived with a painting for a while, I can usually see what needs to be done.” This perseverance is key to Longley’s process and part of what he attributes to achieving a final understanding of a painting’s story.

Longley is influenced and inspired by all kinds of art and artists, proclaiming himself in an “Andrew Wyeth phase” at the moment. The art community in Provincetown is a particular motivating force for Longley. “I strongly believe in looking around and learning from any artist you can learn from,” Longley says. 

Longley strives to give the viewer their own unique experience when looking at his work. “My paintings happen because I have responded positively to something visual. I want someone else to come along and say, ‘Oh, that affects me too.’”  

Rob Longley is represented by Cortile Gallery in Provincetown and online at cortilegallery.com and roblongley.com.