Robert Dykes
A native of Kingston, New York, I graduated from college in 1958 with an Engineering Degree and entered the U.S. Navy in 1959, serving for 31 years. While in the Navy I was lucky enough to both fly off Aircraft Carriers and to command an Aviation Squadron (Air Antisubmarine Squadron 24). Once my flying career was over I went over to ships serving as the Navigator of the USS Enterprise, Navigator of the USS Ranger, Commander of an Amphibious Ship (USS Saint Louis (LKA-116), and subsequently an Amphibious Squadron. After retiring in from the Navy in 1990 I worked as an Engineering Consultant until I retired again in 2002.
I have been drawing and painting for over 50 years initially using oil paints but due to extensive periods at sea I found out that if I wanted to draw in my spare time I had to find an easier medium to use. Thus I migrated to pencil and pen and ink. In the late 80s, I discovered watercolor and have made that my primary medium since then. However, depending on the subject, I still enjoy the beauty of doing a subject that I felt would look best as a monochromatic. I have participated in numerous juried shows, and am in private collections and a designated Coast Guard Artist with several pieces in their permanent collection.
Why do I sign my artwork Bodykes? In 1970 I reported to Air Antisubmarine Squadron Thirty (VS-30). We had several Bob’s in the Squadron and when the Coffee Mess Treasurer asked me what name I wanted on my coffee cup I naturally told him Bob Dykes. When it came back it was Bodykes (because the maximum number of letters allowed on the cup was seven) and at that time I became Bo to my Squadron mates and I liked it so much that I signed my artwork that way ever since.