Robert Tanenbaum is one of only 22 artists certified nationally by the American Portrait Society. He is also a signature member of numerous other art societies and is an artist member of the prestigious California Art Club. He is considered one of the premier American West portrait artists.

Robert's fascination with the West began in fifth grade when he attended a camp that exposed him to real American Indian culture. Born and raised in St. Louis, Robert moved to California in 1964 and there experienced working ranches and cowboys that even further fueled his interest. These experiences peaked years later when a Cherokee Indian friend made Tanenbaum his blood brother during a traditional American Indian ceremony. These continued first hand experiences allow Robert to fully capture the true spirit of his subject.