Points of View

For seniors who've had intense careers, retirement might imply leisure-time. But for a Main Line couple, the golden years are giving them a chance to literally develop their 'Art of Aging'. Hal Robinson was that cardiologist and his wife, Linda, taught. For them, retirement is filled with opportunities - full time painting for Hal and teaching at the Barnes Museum for Linda. Hal has sold 60 of his paintings. His work hangs in European homes and from Maine to California in the USA. " it's very gratifying to know that other people enjoy what I've produced," he said. Hal likens the focus needed in painting to that required in the ER. “To create the right composition, to solve the problems which it presents, equates to the problems I solved as a cardiologist," he said. "I appreciate the fact that I have one more day to enjoy what's around me, and enjoy painting, and enjoy my amazing wife. Born in Philadelphia, Hal attended the uofpenn for both his undergraduate studies and medical school. He began his residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital, where his career as a cardiologist spanned decades. He retired as the Chief of Cardiology at Bryn Mawr Hospital in 1999. Five years before his retirement, Hal began pursuing his second career as a professional artist. “I dabbled in art most of my life, but I was never trained,” he said. “I started taking night classes to develop a portfolio, so I could apply to the pafacademy .” Hal was accepted into the Academy and launched an exceptional new career as a painter. After more than a dozen shows, Hal has sold well over 60 paintings. More important than his success as an artist, though, is the joy it brings him. “I’m very uncomfortable when I’m not painting,” he said. “I’m in my own world when I’m at my easel, and it is such a wonderful feeling.”