Evergreen artist Bryant Robert explores his passion for fitness and the human form through beautifully detailed representations of devoted athletes. His journey to this niche genre of art took many years to unfurl; a culmination of a lifetime of experiences and self-discovery, making his reentry into the professional art world all the sweeter and more significant.

Every story has a genesis and Bryant’s is no different. Raised a “military brat,” he was accustomed to not staying in one place for a long time. Young Bryant found stability, comfort and solace on paper with a pencil in hand, sketching and drawing the world he loved. A lover of D.C. comic books and fantasy art such as Dungeons and Dragons, he spent countless hours creating detailed depictions of characters within elaborate scenes.

Bryant recognized he had talent in middle school when he was the “go-to” for anyone needing anything drawn. He reflects, “People would always say, ‘Go ask Bryant to draw it for you. He’s really good!’” His older brother also admired his drawings which ignited a spark in his efforts and a confidence that inspired him to continue creating.

Bryant spent his high school years in Germany living with his father, then headed back to the states to study art at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). The Fine Arts program at UNL taught him a variety of mediums and provided the “historical, practical and foundational skills” he needed to pursue a career in illustration. However, the universe had a different path in mind.

He met his current wife at UNL and soon after graduation they moved to Colorado where they married and had their first of two children. Freelance illustration work didn’t provide enough financially to support a growing family. Bryant needed to work in various (non-creative) industries to make ends meet. In 1997, he and his budding family moved to Evergreen to live amongst the trees and have been here ever since. After years in an industry that wasn’t nurturing his creativity, Bryant decided to get his art teaching degree through Metro State University.

“As he continues to cultivate his collection of stellar athletes, Bryant is enlightened by his current students daily.”

As with most artists, the itch to create rarely leaves, but rather intensifies as years pass. While Bryant had been helping students at Elk Creek Elementary explore their creativity over the past 10 years, he found his own soul lacking in the same realm. During COVID, he discovered CrossFit, a high-intensity interval training program and “a lightbulb went on.” While working on his own fitness goals, he was captivated by the many powerful women in the program. He shares, “I started thinking about the female athlete and their strength—the journey they took to transform their bodies. So that really started me focusing on women athletes as my subject matter.”

Inspired by female mentors within CrossFit, Bryant took to the drawing board again (pun intended). Utilizing chalk, pencil, graphites, pastels and watercolors, he began experimenting with color and technique. He summoned the ways Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo represented the human form. Before long, he compiled enough drawings to enter a one-man show at the Center Stage Rotary Gallery. Soon after, Bryant joined the Center for the Arts Evergreen board and became president by 2020. Connected with the community, new artists and like-minded individuals, he found his artistic voice.

Since 2019, Bryant has narrowed his focus to female athletes, especially dancers, who he articulates as “the quintessential union of movement, music, and strength,” with his drawings capturing the essence of the moment. Bryant’s main emphasis for his work lies in “creating an atmosphere, even a mystery of someone you don’t see prior to the dance or athletic event they are about to perform.” He seeks to highlight each athlete’s “untold story” and hopes viewers find their own connection to his work.

As he continues to cultivate his collection of stellar athletes, Bryant is enlightened by his current students daily. “I see the basic essence of creativity bringing joy in them. As adults we become cynical and more critical of ourselves. But children are still light and pure,” he says. Having come full circle back to his soul’s purpose, Bryant’s journey is a testament to the power of continued growth and the importance of gravitating toward that which brings joy.

His work is frequently chosen for curated exhibitions at Center for the Arts Evergreen and the Arvada Center. He welcomes commissioned projects via his email [email protected]. To view more of Bryant Robert’s extensive collection of powerful athletes, visit his Instagram: @bryantrobert_artandathletes