Rob Levi

I am not a professional artist, perhaps someday when I retire. I am however very serious about my art. I've been a studious amateur for over 20 years. In that time I've taken enough art classes to probably have a doctorate in the field if that was a desire.

My work is IMPRESSIONISM, often in the style of Berthe Morisot. It's not realism. Having it reduced to be congruent with computer monitor sizes adds that quality that isn't there in full size and often loses qualities such as eyes or depth of subject you get easily in full size. Years ago I found that my medium was and is impressionistic charcoal pencil with graphite pencil and if absolutely necessary a pastel. Much of my later work is graphite powder and although this is akin to painting it has advantages that the pencil alone can't match, at least in my hands. My works are a 36" base(but usually cropped) square. Converting this to a digital format that allows me to share via the internet is a somewhat expensive task (my wife won't let me buy the $18,000 scanner) but I will post what I've done as it's digitized and sent to me when time allows.

I wish I was a better photographer. I don't own that rarefied skill, much to my chagrin. I have tried, attended classes, spent untold amounts of money on equipment and hired excellent models in a vain attempt to take a superior photograph, but it's not in me. I am sorry. I use the unrequited camera to capture the image which I then, over time, make into a semblance of art.

I never sell originals, I'll leave that to my kids. The models get a copy of the work.

My work is frequently nude couples, but more often nude women alone. I do not make sexually explicit works but many are implied. Because of some comments and for the sake of the sensibilities of people who don't have a full appreciation for couples art I will post only standard poses or those with what I consider to be successful technique when posting couples.

I understand that nudes are not to everyone's chosen subject and the fact that I've devoted myself to it means far fewer people will fully appreciate my work. That's fine. I'm not here to be popular. I'm here to be inspired by others and maybe help inspire or guide others who have a desire to pursue their talents or trade tips.

If you don't like my subject matter on moral grounds that is fine and I will respect your morality, please respect mine. If you want to leave comments on the art itself they are welcome and I take all constructive criticism well.