Artwork by Robert W. Hastings

When he served as TriMet’s agency architect, Bob Hastings played a key role in shaping Portland’s landscape, overseeing the architectural design of the city’s iconic Tilikum Crossing Bridge—now a beloved landmark known for its elegance and innovation.

Today, Bob brings that same eye for structure, balance, and beauty to his work as a self-taught watercolor artist. His paintings pay tribute to Oregon’s most recognizable bridges and treasured locations, capturing their character with both precision and warmth. 

Here is how Bob describes his work:

Artistically, I’m drawn to scenes that have a dynamic quality to them. Each painting is a unique expression of what I see in a particular scene. My quest is to capture an essential truth that I’m drawn to.

I typically work from background to foreground, building the painting like a piece of architecture. By layering the depth of the scene, I seek to build from the supporting context to the primary focus. While painting, I give myself up to the process, becoming engrossed in the back and forth of seeking and critiquing…always a surprise.

The depth of the narrative can be complex or quite simple. It always depends on how I choose to portray the story. I feel most successful when I can bring you into the scene and take you further into the story. My goal is to create an experience that is accessible to you but also offers richness through further contemplation. When a painting is complete, I hope you discover more each time you engage with the artwork.

Explore the collections below and discover these distinctive works for yourself.