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I am an artist and designer.
I've always loved to draw in the most realistic style possible. I was the kid in the back of the class drawing pictures of whatever interested me at the moment. When I was in grade school, I was always doing portraits for my friends and their friends. I told everyone that when I grew up I was going to be an artist. I'm still working on growing up, but I think I can finally call myself an artist. :-)
I love bright, vibrant colors, and contrast. I have a passion for beauty and detail.
I think that it is way too easy to miss the little things that abound around us. We have been surrounded by so many blessings that literally sweep by so many of us; often without our ever noticing. I feel so blessed that I can bring some of these things into focus. If one of my designs can bring a smile to someone's face, then I am consummately happy.
My favorite artist was Michelangelo of Rennaisance fame.
I've taken many ideas and theories from his work; one of the main ones was not to get too caught up in one area or technique. I've branched into many different areas of interest to keep from getting bored and/or boring. So, as you'll see from this website, I've worked in quite a few mediums that are both from the classic arts and into today's wildly interesting computerized fields. I like both sides of the fence and I've chosen to keep a foot planted on both sides. It seems that if I stay on just one side (the classical arts side vs. the technical arts side), that I get bored and a little bit unbalanced. One side gives me freedom and creativity; the other side nurtures a more disciplined approach to design. I think it's a good mix.
Here's the long version of who I am if you are terribly bored and need a little reading material....
I was born and raised in West Central Wisconsin on a farm. When I finally did get around to going to college, I had a child to take care of, so I chose the practical route, and went into the engineering field. In 1990, I graduated with a 3.611 GPA from Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I'd earned an Associates Degree in Mechanical Design. I worked at several companies as a drafter, NC programmer, and designer for the next 18 years.
During those years, I began attending art shows and doing portraits. I learned watercolor painting techniques and I loved it. I'd always thought that it was a medium that could only satisfy an artist with a looser style of expression; but with some experimentation and study, I soon learned that it suited me nicely. At the beginning of 2000, I was into doing portraits for people when I wasn't working at "The Glo" or taking care of my family. I taught myself web design and created this web site. I taught myself how to run various graphic design software programs like Paint Shop and InDesign. I used it to format scans of my prints for this website. I taught myself how to work with colored pencils and pastels. I read scads of books. I taught myself how to frame in wood and in metal and to do decorative mat cutting. I started attending art festivals and shows again. It was exciting and exhausting.
My family and business moved to Cannon Falls, Minnesota during the summer of 2004. After a couple of years, my marraige finally came completely apart. I'd been married to an abusive alcoholic for many years. I'd stayed with him for the kids and out of a wild hope that I could finally be an artist. But even though I was given some time to work, so much of my time was spent trying to hold the family together and mourning lost children and dreams; that it became fairly impossible to do much in the realm of creativity. After the split in 2006, I worked at a couple different companies while single parenting and going thru an incredibly hideous divorce.
The worst is finally behind me and I've committed myself to surviving and thriving as a designer and professional. I'm working full time designing ice skating rinks. I work all day and spend my evenings with my kids. Life is full; sometimes a little too full. I don't have the time or the drive to follow my artistic aspirations right now. I hope to get back to it sometime in the future. I'm still not ready to be terribly creative. That is why this site is purely informational these days. Please feel free to look thru it. I'm sorry that I cannot offer my services as an artist right now.
©COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All content of this site is owned by Robin Lewis, and/or Robin's Best Custom Art & Design; protected by US and International copyright laws. I make this site and content available for viewing in its live, published form only. The content is not considered to be public domain. Any usage of images, graphics, text, or HTML requires written permission from Robin Lewis, which includes downloading, copying material, altering, or any form of distribution. By entering this site, you agree to adhere to the copyright laws protecting artists' work. Please email me with questions regarding usage. Thank you for your cooperation and visiting our site. I hope you enjoy it. RLG©
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