A former international fashion model for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Armani, Robb Havassy, a graduate of U.C. Irvine with a BA in psychology, began his formal painting career in 1996 after receiving a beginner’s art kit as a 26th birthday present. Up until that point, Havassy’s artistic expressions had been more or less taking photographs around the world in his travels, and painting his surfboards, but did not really include any formal canvases.

Entirely self -taught, his first “traditional” painting was a small surfing portrait of Duke Kahanamoku for photographer and friend Bruce Weber. 12 years and more than 2000 painting’s later, the success that followed Havassy’s first little watercolor has been manifold, garnering him both national and international acclaim.

Highly regarded for his brilliant use of color as well as his eclectic mix of style, motion and inspirational subject matter.Recently Havassy has begun to showcase his photography as well as a new sculpture series, which has become a new passion.

In addition to being one of the surf culture’s most celebrated and collected artist, Havassy’s work was featured as the official cover art for the 2005 AT&T Pebble Pro Am of golf, one of PGA golf’s most popular events and one known to have featured some of the world’s most prominent sports artists.