Born in Holland Thea Robertshaw received her Bachelor's of Art at California State University, Long Beach, California. She carried a double major, Art and Music. Thea completed her advanced studies in Drawing and Painting, receiving a Master's of Art at CSULB. She continued her studies with Sam Clayburger at Otis Art Institute, Los Angeles, California.

Thea Robertshaw's figurative paintings reflect the archetypal realm of dreams, cross-cultural symbols and myths. Thea's interest in indigenous peoples and their sacred arts influenced her development as an artist. Her studies with anthropologists, native shamanism and Jungian philosophy, have broadened her appreciation of the ancient ways still found in today's world. Many paintings reflect the inner and outer reality of these tribal cultures; and respect for the earth and her creatures.

Memories of World War II, growing up as a child in Holland, hiding Jews in the family attic, are expressed figuratively in narrative paintings that are both poignant and intense. "She [Robertshaw] also painted canvases that drew on wartime memories such as the time her mother locked her toys in a cupboard; then sold them off for food." Her powerful brush strokes and richly colored paintings express those traumatic moments in time. Her abstract paintings are luminous, passionate, personal expressions of the inner emotional landscape.

Robertshaw has exhibited primarily in Southern California galleries, museums and alternative facilities including: Space Gallery, Long Beach, California; The Armory Show, Long Beach California; McGroarty Art Gallery, Los Angeles, California; Downey Museum of Art, California; Joselyn Center Gallery, Torrance, California. She has also shown her paintings at the Bridge Gallery, Los Angeles, California; and Platt Gallery, University of Judaism, Los Angeles, California. Public art mural commissions included: The Living Planet Coffee House, Long Beach, California; Long Beach Mall mural, California.

Thea's paintings are found in private and corporate collections in the United States, Europe and South America. American collections: Mr. & Mrs. David McKee, Anthropologist; Dr. Roemer; Beth Nadel, Psychotherapist; Shelley Lavender, Platt Gallery, University of Judaism; Laura James, Historian; Dr. & Mrs. Eglin; Rick MacMahan, Psychotherapist; and Dr. Gretchen Von Boemel. European Collections: Thea Huberts Furnee, Holland; Mr. & Mrs. Lenie de Meier, Architect, Holland; Mike Bos, teacher, Paraguay; and the British Petroleum Oil Collection.

Thea Robertshaw, a known lecturer and professor of art, taught at Long Beach City College for over 17 years. She lectured at such venues as The Jung Club of Orange County, Chapman University, California; Long Beach Museum of Art, California; CVI, Long Beach Cable; FHP Retreat for Healthcare Professionals; Bowers Museum of Art, Santa Ana, California. Lectures were also given at a retreat presented by Dr. John Land, Psychologist, and an event presided over by Dr. Nightingale, Psychologist.