Robert Hyndman is a distinguished painter and teacher whose contribution to Canadian art has extended over many decades. He began his training at the Central Technical School in Toronto with Carl Schaffer and Charles Goldhammer. Upon graduation, he continued his studies at the Central School for Arts and Crafts in London, England while freelancing as an illustrator of children's books. At the onset of the Second World War, Robert returned to Canada and soon after joined the RCAF. He continued to sketch and paint throughout the war and it wasn't long before he attracted the attention of the Canadian War Art Program. In 1944, Robert was appointed Official War Artist; he created 68 war paintings (most of which are portraits) in a year and a half. In 1947, Robert set up a studio in Ottawa. Critics were quick to acclaim his talent; his war paintings became the launching pad for a career that has included numerous commissions, exhibits and several years of teaching at the Banff School of Fine Arts and The Ottawa School of Art. Figure painting and drawing have always been his passion. His portrait painting has taken him around the world and has included a broad range of subjects from society matrons and government officials to businessmen and military personnel.