Robert a member of NRHS, NMRA, and TCA, is also an active member of Society of Steam Era Artists of America! In his present capacity as a full-time railroad illustrator, Robert is consistently on the road giving one man art shows at railroad related events all over the country usually accompanied by his wonderful wife Libby. In addition he gives lectures, slide presentations, as well as continues ongoing research to keep a visual record of the fast disappearing contemporary North American Railroad scene. It is in this capacity that he functions as a visual historian, bringing back memories to those, his age and older, while educating those his age and younger!

Robert's technical rendering abilities cover the full range of North American Railroading, both from a historical and technically accurate perspective. His subjects include Steam, Gas turbine, Electric, as well as 1st and 2nd through 6th Generation Diesel Electric Locomotives. His deep feelings towards his works, lead a certain buoyancy and vitality which characterized his style and makes him increasingly popular among serious railroad art collectors worldwide!

Robert West is America's newest railroad illustrator. Born in Great Falls, Montana and raised in the Rockies, Robert has traveled extensively throughput the United States; with his family. It was during these travels that he developed a fascination with trains and the love for the American landscape. From his varied background, Robert pooled his resources, imagination, and creative skills to compose a masterpiece that realistically portrays American railroading in the past and also in the present. His latest series of original paintings; "The Great American Passenger Train", portrays famous as well as not so famous passenger trains from the 30's up to the present. It was from this series of paintings that "Purple Passion" was taken, his first print.

Robert has been drawing and painting trains since the age of two, but not until 1973 did he decide to make professional railroad illustrating a profession. His artistry has won several awards in shows of national and regional scope. Robert has also been featured on local television, newspapers, and also in the magazine of a major railroad company.

To quote Mr. West; "first and foremost, I am a Southern Artist who recognizes the physical beauty of America, but in particular, the magnificent landscapes and environment of the South. My main goal in regards to my paintings is not only to convey a sense of realism, but emotionalism, as well. In my paintings I challenge you to use all of your senses to appreciate a special moment in time. If you can do that, then I have succeeded in accomplishing all that I have set out to do."

While we exclusively represent Robert's works, we are an independent company which is not owned by Robert West. Trainz.com also acts as Robert's licensing agent for artwork licenses and Original artwork commissions that result from inquires through this website.