Renowned New Hampshire Artist Robert Seaman Passes Away After 1,727-Day Pandemic Project
On February 21, 2025, the art world mourned the loss of Robert Seaman, a beloved New Hampshire artist who captured hearts and minds with his intricate and imaginative “daily doodles” throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Seaman, who passed away at the age of 92 at Maplewood Assisted Living in Westmoreland, left behind a legacy of creativity and inspiration that touched the lives of many.
Seaman’s daughter, Robin Hayes, revealed that her father, who had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and never fully recovered from a recent bout of coronavirus, remained committed to his passion for art until the very end. Despite his health struggles, Seaman found solace and purpose in his daily doodles, which became a lifeline for him during challenging times.
From Real Estate to Artistry: Seaman’s Creative Journey Unveiled
The late artist’s journey into the world of professional artistry was an unconventional one. Leaving behind a successful real estate career at the age of 60, Seaman transitioned into a full-time artist, driven by a deep-rooted passion for creativity and self-expression. His move to an assisted living facility in southwestern New Hampshire coincided with the onset of the pandemic, confining him to his room for months on end.
Initially inspired by the confinement imposed by the pandemic, Seaman’s daily doodles soon evolved into a testament to resilience and creativity. Starting with pencil sketches and embellishing them with ink, colored pencil, and watercolor, Seaman’s doodles ranged from whimsical animals to science fiction-inspired creations, each bearing his unique touch and artistic flair.
The Power of Art: Seaman’s Doodles Make a Lasting Impact
Despite the physical limitations imposed by his living situation, Seaman’s art transcended boundaries, resonating with audiences near and far. Through the power of social media, his daughter, Hayes, shared his daily creations with the world, garnering a devoted following of fans who eagerly awaited each new doodle. Seaman’s art raised $20,000 for local charities and left a lasting impression on those who encountered it.
Lynn McIntyre, a resident of Hudson, New Hampshire, recounted how Seaman’s art touched her life in a profound way. Commissioning a piece that honored her late daughter’s favorite things, McIntyre expressed gratitude for the light and joy that Seaman’s doodles brought into her life, especially during dark times. In a poignant tribute, she bid farewell to Seaman, acknowledging his role in brightening her days.
A Lasting Legacy: Seaman’s Artistic Journey Lives On
Seaman’s artistry extended beyond mere doodles; it served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who encountered it. From his early days as an artist-in-residence at Hawk Mountain Resort to his tenure as a drawing instructor at the Sharon Arts Center, Seaman’s impact on the art world was profound and far-reaching.
Carmela Azzaro, a fellow artist and friend, reflected on Seaman’s influence on her artistic journey, describing him as a role model who inspired her to embrace creativity and seize every moment of life. Seaman’s dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to artistry served as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and self-expression.
As the art world bids farewell to an icon, Seaman’s legacy endures through his timeless creations and the lives he touched along the way. His daughter, Hayes, hinted at a celebration of his life in the spring, likely featuring some of his iconic doodles as a tribute to his enduring spirit and artistic vision.
In Seaman’s own words, his art was not just a personal pursuit but a source of joy and solace for others. With his passing, a chapter in the art world comes to a close, but the legacy of Robert Seaman lives on through his art and the hearts he touched with his creativity and passion for life.
