Robert Yonke Art

The Deep Creek Lake Studio is Open

The weather didn’t reflect it this past weekend, but another summer at Deep Creek Lake is just around the corner, and I’m back to work in the Garrett County studio.

After returning from a trip to the West Coast of Ireland, I’ve been painting scenes from the trip. You might remember a series that I did from past trips. This time around I visited some places we’ve been to before and also some new places. I look forward to sharing some of that work soon.

I’m also planning new lake pieces as I always have requests for this subject matter.

Visit this Summer by Appointment

This summer I’m keeping things simple and seeing visitors by appointment. It’s a good way to spend some time, look at the work, and actually have a real conversation about what you’re seeing.

If you would like to stop by to view work, I’d love to have you. Just reach out and we’ll find a time that works for you. Call or text at 412-447-1193 or email rhyonke@gmail.com to schedule a visit.

Why I Paint Golf Scenes

Golf is a pretty game and comforting, too. And I don’t think that’s just for me. Maybe that’s why I enjoy painting golf-related scenes as much as I do. If I’m not painting or playing country music with my friends, you can probably find me sneaking off to a golf course to play a few holes and soak in the ambience.

It’s Masters Week

If you’re watching the Masters this week, you know there’s something about the game that gets under your skin. It could be the beauty of the courses, the people, the pursuit. It’s a whole environment, not just a sport.

The Golf Series

I’ve painted over 25 pieces in my golf series so far, and it’s a subject I keep coming back to. There’s a richness to it that doesn’t get old. The course itself is a landscape. The figures have a stillness and focus to them. And the light, especially early or late in the day, is exactly the kind of thing I want to capture on canvas.

Some of these pieces have found homes with collectors. Others are still available. If you’re someone who loves the game and wants original artwork that reflects that, I’d love to hear from you.

View my golf work here. I hope you enjoy my interpretations of my favorite game.

Artwork Selected for Master Craft Printers’ 2026 Calendar

I’m pleased to share that my watercolor Thirty-Two Acres was included in Master Craft Printers’ 2026 Promotional Calendar.

The calendar, featuring work by Garrett County artists, was distributed free to the public during the Small-Town Christmas event last month. Each piece reflects the character, creativity, and sense of place that defines the region.

Garrett County continues to be a source of inspiration for me, and I’m grateful to have this painting shared through a project that celebrates local art and community.

Thank you to April Hebden and everyone at Master Craft Printers for supporting local artists and creating opportunities to bring art into everyday spaces.

The original Thirty-Two Acres is no longer available, but prints and cards can be found here on Fine Art America. To view additional watercolor work inspired by Garrett County and beyond, you can explore my full collection there as well.

Autumn Glory and Art at Deep Creek Lake

Every October, Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County draw visitors for the Autumn Glory Festival, a long-standing tradition celebrating foliage, parades, crafts, and community. It’s one of the most popular seasonal events in Garrett County, and it has influenced my work for many years.

With Deep Creek Lake marking its 100th anniversary, this felt like the right time to reflect on some of my art created around this time of year.

The Spirit of Autumn Glory

I used to participate and exhibit at the Autumn Glory Art Festival, and it was a great opportunity to connect with locals and visitors.

In recent years, I’ve been in Florida when the festival takes place, so I no longer participate in the Autumn Glory art festival. Even so, the season continues to influence what I paint and how I see Deep Creek Lake.

Autumn Themed Work.

Common fall subjects in my paintings include farm scenes like Autumn, and outdoors scenes of wildlife like Turkey.

Art as Part of the Visit

For many people who attend Autumn Glory, art becomes part of their trip. They look for work that lets them return to a place year after year. I’ve seen that first-hand, both in person and through online collectors.

Even though I’m not exhibiting at the festival anymore, there are plenty of other talented artists in Garrett County that people can enjoy during their visit.

If you’d like to see more work, visit my gallery here. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

“Chasing the Wind” Documentary

Deep Creek Lake Sailing on Screen and Canvas

A new documentary, Chasing the Wind, takes a look at the sailing community on Deep Creek Lake. It follows the traditions, the families, and the races that have been part of the lake for generations.

The documentary was produced by Gina Martino Dahlia, with Cassidy Roark as Executive Producer, and was funded by the Deep Creek Lake Centennial Committee.

In this video, I see many of the same scenes I’ve painted over the years – familiar boats, starting lines, and racing scenes. In some cases, it was even the same people who have inspired my work. I sailed years ago and later spent summers watching children, grandchildren, and friends carry on those same regattas. Watching the Flying Scots lined up for the Firecracker Regatta during the Fourth of July weekend or grandchildren in sailing school lessons, gave me the material for much of my work.

I’m glad to see this piece of Deep Creek history captured on film. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch the documentary and see the connections for yourself.