Robert L. Wallis (American 1927-2021) initially supported himself and his family through commercial art, eventually working up to owning his own advertising agency. However, at 58 years of age he was able to retire early and devote himself full time to his fine art career. Mr. Wallis was born in Evansville, Indiana, and later lived in the historic Meridian Kessler neighborhood in Indianapolis. In addition to his art and advertising careers, Mr. Wallis also worked as a radio announcer and taught ballroom dancing. After retirement, the artist lived and worked on a five acre property in Westfield, Indiana. One interesting facet of Mr. Wallis’ work is that he usually incorporated the current ages of his four sons in tribute somewhere in each painting, similar to the way the artist Al Hirschfeld hid his daughter’s name in each of his works. The numbers are discreetly hidden amongst flowers, as the nautical digits on the bow of a boat, or tucked in the shadows of a barn. Being a wonderful father and husband, he did this as a whimsical tribute to his family and was his way of showing that they were always in his thoughts. Collectors of his watercolors enjoy searching for the discreet ages. His final studio was on five acres in Westfield, Indiana. His favorite subjects were birds and other wildlife along with rural landscapes. His art skills were self taught and he was a member of the Indiana Watercolor Society.