signed and numbered 4/10 lower right 

Clifford Foard Robinson (1916 - 1992) was a pivotal figure in the Calgary and Alberta art scene, known for his innovative contributions to printmaking. Born in Bassano, Alberta, in 1917, Robinson was the son of W. Robinson, an author, and the grandson of Sir John B. Robinson, the first Chancellor of Trinity College in Toronto.

Robinson studied at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Art in Calgary and the Banff School of Fine Arts. There, he was mentored by influential artists such as Henry Glyde, A.E. Leighton, and W.J. Phillips, who nurtured his interest in printmaking. He collaborated with notable peers including Margaret Shelton and G. Tailfeathers.

Throughout the 1940s, Robinson traveled extensively across Alberta, British Columbia, and the USA, immersing himself in diverse artistic communities. He lived among the Stoney Indian Band at Morley, Alberta, earning the name Wah-Gah, the Grasshopper, and worked with Jack Shadbolt at the Canadian School of Camouflage in Vancouver. Robinson's career in television began as the first Director of TV design for CBC Vancouver and Set Director for the First Vancouver International Festival. He later became U.B.C.'s first traveling instructor in art and theatre design.

Robinson's European travels in 1950 and 1951 took him to Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, enriching his artistic vision. Upon returning, he taught at the Banff School of Fine Arts and the Vancouver School of Fine Arts, where he formed close associations with A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, and Emily Carr.

Renowned for his monotypes, woodcuts, and linocuts, Robinson often depicted human subjects, reflecting social issues and emotional depth, influenced by Maxwell Bates. His work in oil and batik further showcased his versatility.

Robinson was a member of the Society of Canadian Painters and Etchers, the Society of Graphic Arts, and the Federation of Canadian Artists. His work is featured in prestigious collections, including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the National Gallery of New York, the National Gallery of Canada, the Alberta Art Foundation, and the Feckless Collection.

Cliff Robinson retired in Calgary and passed away in 1992, leaving a legacy in the Canadian art world.