Cami Robertson’s art journey is still unfolding
Photos by Jamie Plain
Cami Robertson didn’t grow up believing art could be a career, or even a calling. But it quietly followed her, turning from childhood doodles to a clearance rack of oil paints that reshaped her future.
Robertson grew up in Knottsville and graduated from Daviess County High School. Like many creative kids, she was rarely without a pen or pencil, often sketching images simply because she enjoyed it.
“I was always into art growing up. I was always doodling. I was always trying to recreate stuff,” she said. “I really enjoyed pencils and pen work, but I kind of battled with whether art was something I wanted to pursue.”
After high school, art took a back seat. College didn’t feel like the right fit, and like many young adults, Robertson found herself questioning what direction her life should take. Then, about 3 years ago, a spontaneous stop at Hobby Lobby changed everything.
“They had oil paints on clearance, and I said, ‘Why not try it?’ I completely fell in love with it. I haven’t stopped since,” she said.
Now 28, Robertson is a self-taught oil painter whose work has steadily gained attention — especially for her emotionally rich pet portraits and emerging niche in live wedding painting.
QUICK SUCCESS, MEANINGFUL WORK
Unlike many artists, Robertson didn’t grow up surrounded by art or creative mentors. But that didn’t stop her family from supporting her work.
“Not a lot of people in my family do any type of art,” she said. “I think it was just something that I picked up and couldn’t stop doing. I had a lot of people believe in me more than I believed in myself. It definitely takes a lot of work and dedication, but people tell me I have a very natural talent as well.”
Oil paint quickly became her medium of choice — and remains her primary focus.
“It’s 99 percent oil paints,” she said. “That’s been my committed love.”
When Robertson first began sharing her work, commissions came quickly. Pet portraits and custom requests filled her schedule.
“I really enjoy doing commission pieces,” she said. “The fact that people reach out and trust me with creating something for them — I think that’s amazing.”
Many of her pet portraits are created from photographs, often honoring animals that have passed away. It’s a type of work that carries deep emotional weight for both the artist and the families she serves.
“I get a lot of people reaching out for pets that have passed away,” she said.
While commissions remain an important part of her work, Robertson has intentionally shifted toward creating pieces she feels personally drawn to, learning how to balance paid work with personal growth.
“I’ve put more intention toward creating pieces that I want to create,” she said.
Among all the pieces she’s created, some of the most impactful have been deeply personal portrait commissions honoring loved ones who have passed away.
“I’ve done a couple of portrait pieces that were collages of family members,” she said. “They had a lot of meaning.”
Creating something families can cherish long-term is what stays with her most.
“I’m very blessed that I’m able to create something like that for people,” she said.
STEPPING INTO LIVE WEDDING PAINTINGS
One of Robertson’s newest creative challenges is live wedding painting, a growing trend that blends fine art with event storytelling.
“I’ve done about four live wedding paintings,” she said. “I go there with a blank canvas and try to get it fully covered by the end of the night.”
Robertson captures a scene from the ceremony or reception, then takes the canvas home to refine details afterward.
“That’s been really fun,” she said. “It’s been a really cool experience.”
While she’s still growing in confidence with wedding paintings, Robertson sees it as an exciting direction.
“That’s definitely a future goal of mine, to be more comfortable with that,” she said.
PUSHING PAST COMFORT ZONES
As a self-taught artist, Robertson says there are still entire creative paths she hasn’t explored — and that excites her.
“There’s a lot that I haven’t discovered yet,” she said.
Recently, she worked on landscapes and still lifes for a show in early February, intentionally stepping outside the subject matter she’s most known for.
“It was a huge learning curve,” she said. “But it was also awesome, just getting myself out of my comfort zone and trying something new.”
Robertson said she has noticed Owensboro’s growing investment in the arts, from local shows to murals and public opportunities, something she didn’t always believe was possible growing up.
“I always thought that I couldn’t do anything with art from where I’m living,” she said. “So to see Owensboro doing shows and mural opportunities, I think it’s amazing.”
Though she hasn’t yet fully immersed herself in the local art scene, she hopes to soon.
“I would love to branch out more within the community and join different groups with other artists,” she said. “Just to keep growing.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Robertson doesn’t feel rushed to define a final destination for her art, and she’s okay with that.
“I don’t have any dead-set goals just yet,” she said. “Everything is still open for me.”
For now, she said she is staying focused on growing, experimenting, and continuing to build confidence — one canvas at a time.
“I’m just really thankful for the people around me,” she said. “Even the kind words on social media mean a lot. It makes me really excited that I’m able to create things people want to support.”
Anyone who is interested in commissioning a piece can find Robertson on Facebook under Cami Robertson, where she handles most of her commission requests. OL
