Robb Havassy is a painter known for his realistic depictions of women, landscapes, flowers, children and animals. When Havassy was 17, he moved to Newport Beach, California, to be closer to the ocean. He started surfing when he was about 17, although his first time on a surfboard was when he was eight in Waikiki, Hawaii, on a longboard.
Early life
Before becoming an artist, from 1982–2002 Robb was an international fashion model for couturiers including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Armani. He did not began his formal painting career until 1996, after he received a beginner’s art kit as a 26thbirthday present. Until then, his only artistic expression was through his photographs of his travels around the world, and his painted surfboards. He was discovered by a talent scout in Newport Beach when he was 17, but didn't decide to pursue modeling until a few years later, when he contacted the talent scout, took some photos and hired an agent.
First piece
In 1996, on his 26th birthday, Havassy received a beginner's art kit from two friends. His first traditional painting was a small surfing portrait of Duke Kahanamoku for photographer and friend Bruce Weber. Prior to this, he painted his surfboards, beginning in 1989.
Art career
In 2005, Hollister Co created 360 unauthorized knockoffs of signed Robb Havassy surfboards for use as decoration in their stores. After litigation, Havassy collected an undisclosed amount in damages. In his book, Havassy writes of the incident: "It's about how cool it is to be a surfer–and how a billion-dollar company put their hands on it. They got called on it." Havassy's work was featured as the cover art for the 2005 AT&T Pebble Pro Am of golf, one of PGA golf's most popular events. Cathy Scherzer, the Pebble Beach Company's director of marketing, said that "Robb Havassy's cover art for the 2005 tournament was one of the most popular in the events history.” Havassy's other business clients have included Reef, Op, Hurley, Surfrider Foundation, Globe, Sector 9, NVOHK, Howe Jeans, Robert August, SIMA and Sirftech. He has launched the Havassy eco-friendly sandal line, and an "artist series" of skateboards with Sector 9. He designed the "Havassy Art model" surfboards with Robert August surfboards; the basic model is a 5-foot x 8-inch x 20-inch "rocket fish"-inspired board. The "Havassy" model surfboard was released by Surftech in spring 2009.
Charitable work
Havassy has participated in the Surfrider Foundation, SIMA, and the eco-awareness group Heal the Bay, to whom he has donated close to $100,000, including nearly $50,000 raised through donations of his art. Havassy, along with Rrrf, created a special-edition surf art poster for Tsunami Relief, to aid tsunami victims in Indonesia. 100% of the proceeds of the poster's sale have raised over $15,000 for Tsunami Relief through Surf Aid International.
