With over 525 images and photos that focus on his career from age 45 to 60, American still-life painter Jackson reveals his work methods, inspirations, and development.

Featuring more than 525 paintings in Robert C. Jackson's iconic style of realism with a slyly irreverent twist, this beautiful book thoughtfully covers his midcareer works. Many of his signature themes are recognizable but now treated more deeply, the compelling nature of his art is intensified, and larger canvases prevail.

Known especially for his realistic still-life paintings featuring objects such as soda crates, balloon dogs, and foods, Jackson creates playful, exuberant art that often makes impossible situations believable, one reason for its wide appeal. Learn more about:

• His final college semester when he took Painting 101 to fill out his schedule. • The first time he ever quit anything. (It was a career as an engineer.) • How the concept of "seriously funny" motivates him. • The cleansing and growth that occurs with aging as a painter. • Zippy, the clown he keeps on retainer to make balloon dogs. Jackson's paintings have been featured in five solo museum exhibitions to date, and are in private, corporate, and museum collections worldwide, ranging from the Delaware Art Museum to the South Dakota Art Museum. Jackson's conversational insights begin each section and address how he built a successful art career. Jackson offers specific details of interest to collectors as well as to artists also striving for a full-time career in painting. For example, coming up with new source material year after year requires effort, and Jackson explains his processes for doing just that. He also shares how embracing commissioned artwork as a collaborative art process can be fulfilling for both the artist and client. Candid black-and-white photos of Jackson at work and play express the spirit he brings to his art. Understand why new fans and established collectors alike respond to this artist who has found his unique and identifiable voice within contemporary art.