Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Featured Pencil Artist: Duane Lawrence

This article begins the first in a series of Featured Pencil Artists. Over the years I have been privileged to meet many fellow pencil artist friends, both personally and online. This blog will now broaden it's horizons by featuring the work of these wonderful artisans on a regular basis.


Duane has been drawing since he was very young. Just about every child draws, but at an early age Duane began to get responses from the adults in his life which indicated that perhaps his drawings were special.

He began with super heroes from the Marvel comic book collection and even thought he might become a comic book illustrator. But in his late teens he switched over to portraiture and began to explore the style that he employs today.

Duane took art classes in high school and college but soon after that all creations went dormant for a while. In fact, he did not put a drawing pencil to paper for many years. Several years ago he began to draw again, in earnest, and today there is always a work in progress.

Mr. Lawrence works in the "photorealist" style, similar to artists Chuck Close and Robert Bechtle who use photographs as reference material. These works are all hand drawn and are not conversions from photos by using any software rendering techniques (like Photoshop). Each drawing takes a great many hours to complete.
In addition to being an accomplished visual artist, Duane Lawrence is also a vocalist and professional voice-over artist!

Duane does accept commissions. To see more of his work and to learn about his many other creative talents, please visit Duane's website at: Pencil Drawings and Portraits by Duane Lawrence (www.duanelawrenceonline.com). You can also email Duane at duanelawrence at duanelawrenceonline dot com.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The Best Pencils to Use for Pencil Drawings

“What kind of pencils do you use?” I think this is one of the most common questions I have been asked over the years.

I often receive emails posing this question. Many emerging artists have tremendous talent. They know the time and energy that goes into a detailed drawing, and they want to use the best materials possible.

My answer to this question surprises some. For the most part, I use ordinary pencils purchased from an office supply store. I like mechanical pencils, as the leads are quite thin and thus give me a sharp point without wasted time sharpening and making a corresponding mess. The mechanical pencils are available in several thicknesses too. My favorites are the .5 and .7 thickness leads. Most mechanical pencils come with HB leads, though you can purchase several hardness levels separately, such as H, B and 2B. There are also .3 leads, though they are so thin that the lead is almost too fragile to use effectively.

I do 90% of my drawing with the HB pencil lead. Then, I use leads the B to 6B range to “punch out” the darkest areas of my drawing. See my Pencil Drawings Process page for an illustration of this effect. My two favorite art suppliers for pencils and pencil leads are DickBlick Art Supplies and Utrecht Art Supplies.

Another important aspect of pencil drawing is the type and quality of paper used. But I'll save that subject for another post!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Great Art Review on Kelli Swan's Horse Pencil Drawings!



Hey all!

The Artwach Blog just posted a delightful review of the Animal Instincts Art Show, of which I am a featured artist! I have six original pencil drawings of horses in this show, which will run for about another month. Included in the artwork I submitted are the following themes: dressage art, jumper, clydesdale draft horse art, harness racing, barrel racing and thoroughbred horse racing art. There's still time to stop by Gallery 6000 at Kent-Stark Campus to see the exhibit! Canton, Ohio - home of the Football Hall of Fame!

Friday, September 25, 2009

HeartStark.org highlights Kelli's artwork

Fine artist Kelli Swan puts fine lines in her pups, ponies and people

100 hours, innumerable lines and infinite patience are standard issue for technical artists who are at home with pencil in hand. Every angle and curve must be scrutinized for depth, perspective and polish.

Thanks to HeartStark.org for this article!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Doberman Art Book now Available for Purchase!


I am thrilled to share with you that the The History of the Doberman Pinscher as Depicted Through Collectibles, Art and Literature book is now available for purchase! And my Doberman Pinscher Drawing "Smile!" is featured in the beautiful pages within this book!

The total cost including shipping is $98 for US customers. This is a high-end book filled with beautiful photos and artwork. Please contact Karen (dobermanhistory at comcast dot net) to place your order!




Friday, August 14, 2009

Original Drawing sold to Jim Hartsock of Canton


I am happy to announce that lifetime Canton, Ohio resident Jim Hartsock has purchased my original Farrier artwork, titled "Trim and Fit." Jim knows Canton as few do, having spent his entire life here, including 36 years working for Republic Steel. He had horses himself, a passion which started with a trip to the Stark County Fairground years ago. Jim ultimately joined the Stark County Western Saddle Horse Association and enjoyed his horses with other like-minded souls. Mr. Hartsock found my work on display at the North Canton Medical Foundation, where the exhibit will continue until the end of September.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

HOT Off the Pencil Drawing Table:


My latest rodeo pencil drawing is long over due. Ever since creating the Bull Rider Rodeo Artwork, I've been asked again and againg to come up with a Barrel Racing theme. Well, finally, here it is! This Barrel Racer Cowgirl artwork was a great deal of FUN to draw! I'm glad I finally got this one to the drawing table. More rodeo pictures will be following soon!

I have my friend Deb Simon to thank over, and over, and over again for the use of her rodeo photographs and harness racing shots as reference material for my pencil drawings. Deb Simon Photography is the place to shop for Wildlife, Wild Bird and other nature photos!



This harness racing art drawing has also been on my "frequently requested" list! My other Standardbred horse prints are nearly sold out, so this piece is finished not a day too soon. This drawing features not so much an actual race, as the “dreams” of harness racing greatness. The horse mane swirling into the track emphasizes the dreams concept and gives the drawing a more whimsical style.