CONCORD, N.H. — Robert Seaman, the New Hampshire-based artist known for his elaborate “daily doodles” that provided joy during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic, has passed away at the age of 92. His daughter, Robin Hayes, shared that he died on Wednesday at Maplewood Assisted Living in Westmoreland after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a recent COVID-19 infection, from which he never fully recovered.
In his final days, Seaman remained committed to his passion for art. Hayes noted that creating art was essential to his well-being, stating, “It got him out of bed and kept him going.” His daily routine comprised enjoying coffee and a morning doughnut followed by hours of doodling — a practice that brought him immense joy and fulfillment.
Seaman’s last doodle, number #1727, was shared on Valentine’s Day, showcasing a bull and a matador holding a heart-shaped flag. Prior to that, he created a special piece for his daughter’s birthday, showing his thoughtfulness even when faced with his own challenges.
At the age of 60, Seaman shifted his career from real estate to pursue art full-time, moving into an assisted living facility just before the onset of the pandemic. Confined to his room during lockdown, he revisited drawing, which had been a cherished childhood activity. Reflecting on the difficult circumstances, he expressed his initial intention to create pieces reflecting those dark times, eventually leading him to undertake the challenge of producing a doodle every day.
Hayes began to share Seaman’s doodles on social media and even made them available for purchase, which helped raise $20,000 for local charitable causes. Many people expressed their gratitude for his dedication through letters, which Hayes discovered while clearing his apartment.
Lynn McIntyre from Hudson, New Hampshire, became a fan of Seaman’s work after seeing him on television. She appreciated the joy his daily creations brought her and even commissioned a piece that incorporated beloved elements of her late daughter’s life, including dolphins and sunflowers. “He captured her love for these things perfectly with love and care,” she shared, offering a heartfelt tribute to the artist.
Seaman’s artistic process often started with pencil sketches, which he completed using ink, colored pencils, and watercolors. His doodles frequently explored themes from science fiction and included playful depictions of animals infused with clever humor. He described his artistic approach as a form of “word association,” where one object would lead to another in an organic flow of creativity.
Born on September 7, 1932, in Smithtown, New York, Seaman was raised in a family that valued art. He studied art history at Williams College before serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His journey included various careers in the paper industry, advertising, and real estate until he returned to his true passion for art. “All of that anxiety and depression lifted” once he made the bold career change, he remarked.
Seaman later worked with a greeting card company and illustrated various publications. He also served as an artist in residence in Vermont and dedicated more than 15 years to teaching drawing at the Sharon Arts Center in New Hampshire.
Carmela Azzaro, 82, shared that meeting Seaman in a figure drawing class inspired her to persist in her own artistic pursuits, demonstrating how he influenced others even in his later years.
Survived by his daughter Hayes, son Brooks, two grandchildren, and a close friend, Appleton Adams, Seaman’s life will be celebrated in the spring, featuring some of his iconic daily doodles. “I think it was the people who loved his doodles and looked forward to them that kept him going,” Hayes reflected.
Seaman himself humorously expressed in 2021 that he would most likely pass away before he exhausted his creative ideas. “Selfishly, it keeps me occupied and I love doing it,” he said, noting the joy it brought both him and those who appreciated his art.
