Robert Leone (b. 1972 in Queens, NY) is a self-taught artist specializing in hyper-realistic drawings of contemporary cultural icons.
Raised on Long Island, Leone discovered his artistic ability at a young age while recovering from a childhood medical condition. With nothing but a notebook and a #2 pencil, he spent his days drawing faces & figures from the magazines, books, and posters around him.
After graduating Binghamton University (NY) in 1994 with a BA in Economics and Graphic Design, Leone put his artistic ambitions aside and moved to Manhattan to pursue a career in IT working within the financial industry. It was while living there that he was first introduced to the world of Hyper-realism after discovering Chuck Close’s Big Self-Portrait during his 1998 MoMA exhibit. Amazed by Close’s creative process and level of detail, Leone was inspired to one day pursue this genre of art.
In 2018, after a two decade hiatus, Leone created Clarence, the first of several pieces created in pen. He soon discovered the unique advantages of working with graphite, which then became his main medium. Several of his pieces have since been displayed in exhibitions across the US and have received critical acclaim and appreciation.
Encouraged by his girlfriend Jessica, and inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm and response to his artwork, Leone eventually decided to pursue his art full time. He currently lives (and works) with Jessica in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Artist Statement
When someone looks at one of my drawings often times their first impulse is to believe that it is a photograph. But upon closer examination one can see that there is a depth and resonance that cannot come from a photo.
My focus in creating a hyper-realistic drawing is not only to replicate the image as precisely as possible, but also to fully capture the character and expression of the subject, which in turn brings out life and emotion in the final artwork.
Drawing Process
Drawing for me has always been a bit of a meditative process. When I become immersed in my work, time ceases to exist and it can feel as though I’m working on auto-pilot. It’s in this state when I feel my best work is achieved. Music has always been a catalyst for this process so the two have always gone hand in hand for me.
Choosing the right image to work on is nearly as important as the final product. I’m often drawn to images that contain a high contrast of light and shadow, interesting props and accessories, and odd or unusual facial features. I also look for intricate and challenging things to draw like smoke, reflections, textures and fabrics.
When searching for the next photograph there is really no time limit. Sometimes it takes hours, other times days, but when the right picture emerges I feel instinctively compelled to draw it.
Printing Process
- All completed artwork is scanned using a VERSASCAN high-res flatbed scanner.
- Scanned artwork is then color corrected in Photoshop.
- Each print is output onto quality archive paper using an EPSON SureColor P8000 large-format inkjet printer.
- Prints are then signed and numbered for limited edition sets.
