Robert believed that art brought light into the world. His purpose in life was to create light for us all.

Robert James Harkness was born June 15, 1989 in Olympia, Washington to Alice and Dwayne Harkness. Even as a young child, Robert felt great empathy for others, always having a willingness to share. As he grew up, he displayed multiple talents and the discipline and focus to develop and achieve excellence in them. Despite having been born with the birth defect, clubfoot, and enduring years of castings and surgeries to correct it, Robert excelled in sports and outdoor recreation, including baseball, football, skiing and hiking the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. He was an outstanding student in school, receiving multiple academic achievement awards upon high school graduation. Robert participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, achieving the Eagle Scout rank in Boys Scouts of America, and other youth organizations including Young Life. He was deeply connected to his maternal Swiss heritage, spending many days on his grandmother’s dairy farm with his older brothers Luke and Justin. Robert always surrounded himself with a large and diverse group of friends, who shared his joyful world.

From the time he could hold a crayon, beautiful images flowed from Robert’s hand. When as a young child his doctor asked Robert to draw a picture for him, he drew it upside down so that the doctor could see the image right side up. Early on, Robert pursued painting classes, exhibited and sold his paintings at Olympia’s annual “Arts Walk” celebration, and won multiple awards and recognition for his work in his pre-and early teen years.

He continued to hone his craft through high school and was later admitted to the University of Southern California’s prestigious Roski School of Art and Design. While at USC, he was an active member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and studied abroad in Florence, Italy where he continued to learn from the greats of history. Robert graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded the prestigious Discovery Scholar distinction. The Discovery Scholar distinction recognizes and celebrates USC undergraduates who have excelled academically while making a meaningful contribution to their field of study through exceptional new scholarship or artistic work.

Robert was recruited by Playboy magazine while completing his senior year, and upon graduation from USC, was hired as Associate Art Director. Playboy provided an opportunity for Robert to master his graphic design skills as he broadened into other art mediums. He found great mentors and peers in his years at Playboy, and was later recruited to the Art Director position at Outside Magazine, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

In New Mexico, Robert found an inspiring new home, rich in natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage. He ventured out as an independent artist in 2017 with an explosion of creativity. Over the ensuing years he mastered the art of portrait painting, bringing individuals to life with his intimate portrayals. He continued to innovate, broadening his artistic range across landscape painting, graphic design including digital collage, pop and commercial art, street art, photography, large murals, and animation.

His murals and street art can be seen across Los Angeles, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque. Robert’s album cover, logo, and branding design provides the outward face of dozens of artists and companies. His paintings and artwork grace the walls of people’s homes. His light continues to shine.

The life of an independent artist is a difficult one. It is not the path of choice for those seeking riches and fame. It is a calling that requires deep introspection and selflessness to be truly great. In 2018, Robert began to struggle with depression, other undiagnosed mental health issues, and loneliness likely due to the deep investment in his work. The Covid-19 pandemic furthered his sense of isolation and also lead to circumstances in which less scrupulous individuals may have taken advantage of Robert’s openness to the world, to his detriment.

Amongst these challenges, Robert remained a kind and empathetic soul, especially toward the marginalized of society. He anonymously donated bone marrow to a person who was a match, but whom he did not know. Though he struggled financially himself, he handed out money to people living on the street. He continued to be incredibly productive, generating hundreds of works of art. Like many of those struggling with such pain, Robert sought relief in whatever forms it might come. In March of 2023, Robert passed away due to fentanyl poisoning. For those who knew Robert, and those who continue to enjoy the beauty he brought into the world, we all lost a source of beauty and light. The world became a little darker.

Unfortunately, Robert’s story is not unique in today’s society. Too many wonderful individuals are afflicted by loneliness, untreated mental health challenges, and the damaging and often deadly consequences of self-medication. While we do not all have Robert’s talent for bringing beauty to canvas, we all have the ability to bring light to other people. Robert’s smile and laugh were infectious. So are yours. Share them. Share a kind word, an embrace, your own unique talents. It makes a difference for those walking in darkness.