Robert Apolinar

Chicago, Illinois

My artwork is hugely inspired by the figure drawing sessions I run and attend. My subjects mostly center around the female portrait with different visual twists. The entirety of my work is digitally painted. I use music to dive into my work and usually associate a song or songs with each piece I create. It sets the mood and pace for a particular painting. I was born here in Chicago, then spent quite a few years in the Philippines for high school and part of college where I learned to really appreciate art and what I wanted to do. I returned to Chicago and went to Columbia College for Art & Design. From that I have made a career out of being a toy designer that spans two decades designing everything from Beanie Babies to Happy Meal toys. I also teach art on the side mainly out of the Elmhurst Art Museum.