If Matisse or Picasso had grown up surfing, golfing and living in Southern California, they may likely have turned out like Robb Havassy.

A former international fashion model for the likes of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Armani, Robb Havassy, a graduate of U.C. Irvine with a BA in psychology, began his formal painting career in 1996 after receiving a beginner's art kit as a 26th birthday present. Up until that point, Havassy's artistic expressions had been more or less taking photographs around the world in his travels, and painting his surfboards, but did not really include any formal canvases.
Entirely self -taught, his first "traditional" painting was a small surfing portrait of Duke Kahanamoku for photographer and friend Bruce Weber. 12 years and more than 2000 painting's later, the success that followed Havassy's first little watercolor has been manifold, garnering him both national and international acclaim.
Highly regarded for his brilliant use of color as well as his eclectic mix of style, motion and inspirational subject matter.
Recently Havassy has begun to showcase his photography as well as a new sculpture series, which has become a new passion.

In addition to being one of the surf culture's most celebrated and collected artist, Havassy's work was featured as the official cover art for the 2005 AT&T Pebble Pro Am of golf, one of PGA golf's most popular events and one known to have featured some of the world's most prominent sports artists.
 

Barreled at HT's in Indo

In Indo with painted board

Robb painting NY Kiss board

A recent collabaration with American Vines has brought a wine into the Havassy realm. The new "Las Olas" wine features Havassy's famous "Sunset Surfers" on it's label. The partnership between Havassy and American Vines will soon see the launch of Havassy's own "sangria" beverage called "Solgria", which is based on the wine and juice beverage Havassy has been serving at art exhibitions, and parties for almost a decade.
Like any responsible surfer/artist, Havassy has balanced his commercial success with a devotion to social and environmental concerns. Over the past decade, Havassy has helped raise more than $100,000 in philanthropic contributions with his continuing support of and collaboration with the Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Bay, Surf Aid International, Boarding for Breast Cancer in addition to dozens of other domestic and international non-profit organizations dedicated to social and environmental causes.
"One of the latest and most exciting ventures that I'm working on is a massive project called SURF STORY."
SURF STORY is a book/exhibition including art and surf stories by more than 70 surfers/artists/writers/icons from the culture. SURF STORY is scheduled to open summer 2009. The book and exhibition will feature the largest collection of surf art and surf stories ever presented. The 400+ page hard-cover coffee table book will contain more than 200 pieces of surf art, and over 150 surf stories from an incredible list of contributors including:

SURF STORY Surfer/Artists: Ken Auster, Chris Lundy, Sandow Birk, Michael Knowlton, Mike Doyle, Kevin Ancell, Robb Havassy, Meegan Feori, Shawn Griggs, Rick Rietveld, Russell Crotty, Ben Brough "33", Céline Chat, CR Stecyk, Alex Weinstein, Chris Pederson, Spencer Reynolds, Alan Casagrande, Damian Fulton, Mike Losness, Shannon McIntyre, Vanessa Janss, REMI BERTOCHE, Frank Errickson, Gaston Locklear, Ned Evans, David Lloyd, John Severson, Patrick Parker, Drew Brophy, Wade Koniakowsky, Jay Alders, Aubrey Falk, Kevin Short, Pete Tillack, Scott Szegeski, Charlie Clingman, Heather Brown, Steven Chew "Sli Dawg", Matt Beard, Jesse Miller, Herbie Fletcher, Noia, Bill Ogden, Peter Thorne, Steve Bojoroquez, Peter Pierce, Ron Croci, Mike Lorenzini, Karim Rejeb.
***Plus Surf Story contributors:Robert and Sam August, Art Brewer, Tom Servais, Noah Johnson, Wingnut, Joel Tudor, Drew Kampion, Rochelle Ballard, Nat Young, Corky Carrol, Chris Ahrens, Aamion Goodwin & Daize Shayne, Rob Machado, Greg Escalante, Jamie Brisick, Pat O'Connell, Mary Osbourne, Ithaka Darin Pappas, Joey Cabell, Craig Peterson and Kevin Naughton, Cody Graham, Herbie Fletcher, Peter Mel, Gordon McClelland, David Pu u.
"The SURF STORY is what the whole culture is built on...we all have our own. It doesn't matter who your are or how well or often you surf...great stories just happen....This project is just one large, multi-media view into the tradition.

Surfing while CA burns

Havassy Eco/Art sandal line

RH hand painted surfboards

The inspiration for the SURF STORY project came during Havassy's two year legal battle with apparel giant Abercrombie & Fitch/Hollister, where in A&F made 350+ unauthorized replicas of one of Havassy's painted surfboard adorned with his art and to Havassy shock, his "RH" signature as well. The surfboards were placed in the front of every Hollister store in the country since 2001, in order to help them brand themselves as an "authentic" surf company...all this without ever asking permission.
"They had no right to create or use my art. Considering the I would NEVER collaborate with a company who is notorious for it's unauthorized "use" of legit pieces of the authentic surf culture I decided to engaged them legally...
As of summer 2008, the copyright infringement lawsuit is finally coming to an end after Havassy finally agreed to a settlement deal after a two year legal battle..."It was time to stop putting energy into the all the negativity associated with the lawsuit. I wanted to focus on more positive ideas and realized that the only ones truly happy, should I take this to trial and fight on for years, were A&F's lawyers"...Terms of this settlement are confidential.
Dick baker, CEO of OP and SIMA president...
"Robb is both an amazing artist and true waterman, as he reflects the authenticity and soul of the sport thru his creative work....He is a legend in the world of surf art and his work has been an integral part of the lifestyle of the sport."

SIMA director Sean Smith...
"It goes without saying that Robb is a very talented artist and that his work is absolutely stunning," said Sean Smith, executive director of the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA). "We are doubly blessed in that Robb is not only talented, but also a passionate surfer who cares about the ocean."