Artistic talent runs in his family- Robert is the youngest of four brothers, all of whom were introduced to art by their mother who painted with oils.

Robert attended Central High School, which along with offering a diverse art program, was a part of Flint, Michigan's cultural center, the Flint Art Institute.

After High School Robert airbrushed in locations like Panama City Beach, Florida, Clearwater Beach, Florida, and New Orleans, all alongside his brother.

Robert and his wife Angie, moved to Springfield, Missouri and began offering custom airbrush at a local mall. After 5 years, they opened their own store "Air Wear"

During that time Robert expanded to mural work, painting up to 150 murals- the majority being in schools. In 2001, Robert and Angie relocated to the Sequatchie Valley in Tennessee, built a studio at the old Litton Mill site and began working under the name "Old Mill Mural".

In July of 2012 , Robert changed his focus from custom work to a more personal expression.

He signaled this new direction by embracing his given name of Robert in this encore period of this artist life, and making the move to Cincinnati, Ohio to pursue this new vision. "Robert McFate Studio"