LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tyler Robertson decided to pursue a full-time art career two years ago. What You Need To Know Louisville-area artist Tyler Robertson is the official artist of Kentucky Derby 151 After a teaching career, he pursued art full time two years ago His Derby poster shows a tight pack of thoroughbreds and jockeys rounding the first turn, with spring-like colors Robertson's works are featured in galleries across the globe There’s an energy to Robertson’s art. It’s big, bold and often depicts thoroughbred racing. “I’m typically an impatient painter, so I like to work fast and furious, kind of,” Robertson said. Those words, “fast” and “furious” describe the Kentucky Derby. Robertson is the official artist of Derby 151. “I like the abstraction that happens when you’re painting at a large scale where, from a distance, it looks more like what it is,” Robertson said. “And up close, there’s a little more chaos.” The Indiana native was a longtime elementary school teacher but has always been an artist. Originally working with pencil and ink, Robertson transitioned to paint. Even as a part-time artist, he honed his skill and style and built relationships in both the art world and the world of horse racing. Two years ago, he threw himself into painting full time. “I was not an art teacher,” he said. “Everybody always thinks I was an art teacher. Even my close friends will still say, ‘Oh, yeah, he taught art.’ No, I taught reading, writing, math (and) science.” Robertson will use vivid colors and almost combative strokes, producing abstract images that convey an energy that is authentically equine. His canvases contain multiple layers where paint looks carved away or splattered on. “And all these runs and splatters are just a way to accentuate movement and excitement and splashing of mud or dirt,” he said. These are the techniques on display in his official Derby poster. In spring-like colors, it shows a tight pack of thoroughbreds and jockeys rounding the first turn. “You still get to see the spires; you get to see the crowd,” Robertson said. Like his art, Robertson’s career has a lot of momentum. His works are featured in galleries across the globe. In fact, Robertson is only a few weeks removed from a showing in London. But he’ll grab the world’s attention all at once come the first Saturday in May. “When you go all in, it’s like the universe knows you made the leap," he said. Visit the Derby website to find Robertson’s merchandise. Check out his website to view his other works.

Official artist of Derby 151 talks about his career, methods

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two years ago, Tyler Robertson made the decision to fully commit to a career in art. Essential Information Tyler Robertson from the Louisville area is the designated artist for Kentucky Derby 151 He transitioned from a teaching profession to focus on art full time two years ago The poster he created for […]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two years ago, Tyler Robertson made the decision to fully commit to a career in art.

Essential Information

Tyler Robertson from the Louisville area is the designated artist for Kentucky Derby 151

He transitioned from a teaching profession to focus on art full time two years ago

The poster he created for the Derby illustrates a close-knit group of thoroughbreds and jockeys navigating the first turn, featuring spring-inspired colors

His artwork is showcased in galleries worldwide

Robertson’s artwork exudes a certain vitality. It’s expansive, striking, and frequently represents thoroughbred racing.

“I tend to approach painting with a sense of impatience, so I enjoy working in a rapid and intense manner,” Robertson noted.

These terms, “rapid” and “intense,” encapsulate the essence of the Kentucky Derby. Robertson is the designated artist for Derby 151.

“I appreciate the abstraction that occurs when you paint on a grand scale, where from a distance, the image resembles what it actually is,” Robertson explained. “And up close, it reveals a bit more chaos.”

A native of Indiana, Robertson was a devoted elementary school educator but has always identified as an artist. Initially using pencil and ink, he later made the shift to painting.

Even while working part-time as an artist, he refined his technique and developed connections in both the art sector and the equestrian community. Two years ago, he dedicated himself to painting full time.

“I was never an art instructor,” he clarified. “People often assume I was an art teacher. Even some of my closest friends still believe, ‘Oh, yeah, he taught art.’ No, I taught reading, writing, math, and science.”

Robertson employs vibrant colors and nearly aggressive brush strokes, creating abstract pieces that embody a raw equine energy. His canvases show multiple layers where paint appears either carved away or splashed on.

“These runs and splatters serve to emphasize movement, excitement, and the splashing of mud or dirt,” he stated.

Such techniques are evident in his official Derby poster. Displayed in spring-like colors, it presents a tightly packed group of thoroughbreds and jockeys as they turn the first corner.

“You can still catch a glimpse of the spires; the crowd is visible as well,” Robertson noted.

Similar to his artwork, Robertson’s career is gaining significant momentum. His pieces are displayed in galleries all over the globe. In fact, he recently returned from an exhibition in London.

However, he’s poised to capture the world’s attention all at once on the first Saturday of May.

“When you fully commit, it’s as if the universe recognizes your leap of faith,” he reflected.

Explore the Derby website to discover merchandise from Robertson. Visit his website to view more of his creations.