“Art is a direct connection to the artists’ world translated through the catalyst of their medium. It creates an emotional playground that the viewer can jump into.”

Bryant Robert’s Art and Athletes portfolio features intricate drawings of the human form, inspired by a desire to integrate his passions for fitness and art.  Influenced by Michelangelo and DaVinci’s studies, Bryant creates a unique perspective on athletes and dancers in their moments of beauty, strength, and emotion. Bryant’s ability to depict the detailed muscularity of the human form and elevate its essence through the application of light and shadows invites viewers to connect with his work on an intimate level.

Bryant created a series of athlete drawings and accompanying narratives which were featured in a one-artist show in the Center Stage Rotary Gallery. His art is frequently chosen for curated exhibitions at Center for the Arts Evergreen and the Arvada Center Gallery. Bryant also accepts private commissions. Recent customized work has included drawings of a seascape, a cyclist, an athlete in training, a pet tribute, and a father/daughter portrait.

Bryant earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A K-12 elementary art teacher at Elk Creek Elementary School, Bryant obtained his Art Education degree at Metropolitan State University in Denver. To connect with Bryant and his artwork, go to the Art and Athletes Facebook page, and follow bryantrobert_artandathletes.

1. Tell us a little about your work and artistic practice?

I explore the connection of the athletic spirit to art. I see the image of the body as a catalyst of strength, poetry, and movement – from dancers who transform music and motion into visual poetry, to athletes who embody the dedication of strength and eternal will. There is a story behind each moment and that my art strives to reveal.

2. How was your creative process impacted or evolved during the pandemic?

The pandemic made me more introspective. It gave me a chance to pause and better understand my artistic process and how I wanted to move forward. I began to add layers of emotion to the technical execution of my drawings. For example, I created my dancers not just from a performance point of view under the spotlight, but also allowed them to express emotion behind the curtain so that the viewer could connect to their genuine humanity. I’ve incorporated more shadows and elements of light to evoke a deeper response.

3. Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the human form. My earliest connections to art came from seeing the illustrations of heroic figures in comic books and the detailed caricatures featured in Mad Magazine. Frank Frazetta’s depictions of fantasy and sorcery also captivated me as well as Ralph Bakshi’s figures in his alternative animation projects.

When I was living in Europe early in my college years, I had the opportunity to visit world-class museums and see the works of Raphael and Michelangelo. I was, and continue to be, inspired by their studies of the body – their amazing presentations of muscularity and power in the human form. I knew I wanted to create art from a similar perspective.

4. Do you have a favorite piece of art that someone else has created?

It is difficult to choose a “favorite piece.”  Instead, I gravitate toward certain artistic styles: the body studies of Raphael and DaVinci, and Caravaggio’s play with light and shadows. I have admired William Turner for using a dramatic atmosphere to communicate the heart and soul of his art as depicted in Rain, Steam and Speed: The Great Western Railway. John Singer Sargent is a guide for me, too, as his portraitures – while done in a traditional painterly style – are immediately distinguishable by the emotion inherent within them.

5. Tell us about one of YOUR pieces that you have been the proudest of?

When I was a sophomore in college, I drew a portrait of the musical artist Sting, a piece which hangs in the entryway of my home. It was a benchmark for me. I was proud of my technique, and the experience in bringing Sting to life was cathartic. I could see the awakening of art within me and could appreciate how I was developing as an artist along my creative journey.

6. are your biggest influences?

Artistically, I am influenced by the tremendous athletes I have been honored to meet through my CrossFit practice. Their commitment, tenacity and resilience are awe-inspiring! I have had the privilege of drawing some of these amazing warriors and sharing the personal battles that fuel their passion.

On a personal level, my family is my heart. I am so blessed to be a husband, dad, and grandpa (“Opa”). The love, support, and humor they inject into my life are invaluable. Without my family, I would not be the man, nor the artist, I am becoming.