“Many artists use drawing as a means to an end. My work shows that graphite pencil can be an art form in itself.”
Using close observation, Robin Lauersdorf renders his graphite pencil drawings as detailed and realistic as possible. Without the use of color, his drawings must stand on design and value alone. As opposed to pen and ink, graphite pencil allows him to obtain subtle values ranging from very light to very dark. And unlike charcoal, graphite allows for the fine details that help the art mimic reality.
Drawing Process
Robin’s design process can take longer than the drawing itself. Like most artists, he will have a vision of what he wants to create and must research, photograph, and sketch until he’s illustrated what he envisioned. Because of the level of detail he tries to achieve, it can take as long as three months of meticulous work to complete a drawing.
Ideas for drawings come in many forms. As a Wisconsinite, Robin is often inspired by the spectacular wildlife his state has to offer. He has always been interested in the work of MC Escher, and recently completed a series of drawings that play with reality and fiction as Escher’s do. Robin also creates drawings of colleges and universities across the nation that allow alumni to display their pride in their institution.
Traditional Portraits
Robin offers traditional portraits as well as portraiture that captures the interests and hobbies of you or an important person in your life. A life portrait might include family, favorite pets, childhood memories, athletic accomplishments, hobbies, and the growth of one’s business. Robin collaborates with you to design a unique piece of art that you believe best represents your life or the life of a loved one.
Professional Portraits
Graphite pencil provides the perfect medium for timeless, professional portraiture of business or academic leaders. Robin Lauersdorf works with corporations and academic institutions to create portraits of CEOs, presidents, or deans. Robin can draw from photographs from vastly different eras to produce portraits that provide a consistent representation of your organization’s past and present leaders.
University Projects—Gifts of Distinction
Artwork that represents the most cherished architecture and traditions of your college or university provides a meaningful gift for donors. Robin Lauersdorf can work with your association during a fundraising project to create these beautiful gifts.
Robin collaborates with you to design an original work, visiting your campus to take photographs and research its most memorable features. Robin then meticulously crafts a graphite pencil drawing, which your association purchases. This original drawing is perfect for display in the office of the president or in another important location on campus.
Robin creates prints of the artwork that are framed with museum-quality materials, which can be used as gifts for important donors. Robin can also create diploma frames for your association to market to alumni and parents of recent graduates as a fundraiser.
