From the 1950's through the '70's Robert E. Gilbert (or REG, as he often signed himself) was a prolific contributor of art to science fiction fan magazines. He also published several stories, at least one in Galaxy. The work for the fanzines was pen and ink, to show up with the inexpensive reproduction techniques, but he also did a large number of paintings in oil, pastels, and watercolors. In addition, from the 1940's through the 80's he did a lot of non-science fiction art, experimenting with traditional and non-traditional styles.
One of the most striking things about Gilbert's work is the strong sense of the alien. Landscapes are strange and unexpected. Even when humans are depicted, they look eerie somehow, as if they were just one more bizarre species in a weird galaxy. His experimentation with technique is also very interesting, and the detailing, especially of the black and white ink drawings, is fascinating.
REG was a native of Kingsport, Tennessee, and died at age 68 on April, 4 1993. He attended Lafayette College and East Tennessee State University; and was a graduate of Washington School of Art. He was an Army veteran and served in World War II.
We have acquired the remaining body of his work from his estate. There are over 400 pieces, of which about 150 have outer space, science fiction, and future technology themes. We will be adding more images as we photograph them. You can register to be notified by e-mail when we add more of his work.
 REG 9. 19 3/4" by 25 3/4", 1969, airbrushed? or pastels on flocked/velvety artist's board, $325.00. Image. |
 REG 84. A spaceship flying over an eerie, cratered landscape. Drawn in wonderful color with crayons or pastels on heavy paper, like cardstock. The paper is not cut exactly square. 11" by 13 3/4", initialed and dated 1983. The condition is very good. $325.00. Sci-fi art ... Back. |
 REG 66. A spaceship and astronaut on an alien planet. It is drawn in crayon on colored, textured paper, dated December 26, 1982, signed Ernie Gil. It is 9 7/8" high by 12 3/4" wide, in excellent condition. The price is $195.00. Image. |
 REG 10. Spaceship and alien landscape, framed; 12" by 18" (frame 14 1/2" by 18 3/4"), oil on canvas, $750.00. Image ... Closeup. |
 REG 7. "First Flight", 10 1/4" by 13 1/2", in a matt 18" by 24", watercolor and pencil, $500.00. Image. |
 REG 4. "Spaceship Bob", 11" by 14", ink on posterboard, $325.00. Image. |
 REG 105. A very detailed scene of a barn and surrounding landscape, painted in gouache or watercolor on heavy paper. It is 18" high by 24" wide, signed "REG 1971", and is in excellent condition with faint foxing visible only on the back. The price is $325.00. Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Closeup of detail, signature ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale.
Some much larger photos: Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Closeup of detail, signature ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale. |
 REG 106. A tower of stone silhouetted against the sky, with the small figure of a woman in red near the base. It is painted in oil on hardboard, and signed "REG 1969". It is 16" wide by 20" high, in very good condition. There are a few small blotches in the paint on the top edge, but they look to be original. There is some glare in the photos that over emphasizes the texture of the paint. The price is $325.00. Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale.
Some much larger photos: Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale. |
 REG 107. A mountain landscape, with birds in a stormy sky, and the small figure of an old man in the lower corner, signed "REG 1968". It is painted in acrylics on hardboard and mounted in a wooden frame. The painting measures 18" by 24", in very good condition with foxing visible on the back. The frame is 21 1/2" by 27 1/2" by 1 3/4" deep, with minor surface wear. The price is $295.00. Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Closeup ... Side view ... Back ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos: Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Closeup ... Side view ... Back ... With a soda can for scale. |
 REG 91. Untitled: Two Heads. Pen and ink on card stock. Notes on the rear indicate REG was paid for this 6/30/54. That and other notes lead us to assume it was published. 8 1/2" by 11". He was having fun with his signature on this drawing. The price is $300.00. Image ... Back view ... Larger photo. |
 REG 101. Abstract oil on canvas with wooden stretchers, unframed. 28" high by 16" wide by 3/4" deep. The paint is applied with strong, textured brush strokes. It is signed "REG 1959". There is some slight wear on the corners and a few tiny flakes missing on the right hand edge. $250.00. Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Side view ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale.
Some much larger photos: Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Side view ... Back view ... With a soda can for scale. |
 REG 3. Alien landscape, tower, flying craft, 11" by 13 3/4", 1977, ink on heavy paper, $125.00. Image. |
 REG 8. Alien landscape, 1984, 10 1/4" by 14 1/4", crayon on heavy paper, $150.00. Image. |
REG 104. This very vivid and detailed portrait of a woman with a wild background is painted in gouache or watercolor on heavy paper. It is signed "REG 1971", measures 18" by 24", and is in excellent condition with very faint foxing visible only on the back. $350.00. Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale.
Some much larger photos: Painting by Robert E. Gilbert ... Back ... With a 12" ruler for scale. |
 REG 5. Spaceship, 11" by 13 1/2", 1976, ink on heavy paper, $225.00. Image. |
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