Artist Doug Lawlor welcomes challenges

It is a sunny Friday afternoon; VCU junior Douglas Lawlor, inspired by the beautiful scenery, simply wants to sit around and draw.

Lawlor said, because art is a natural talent for him, he has chosen to major in film. It challenges him more, he said.
Lawlor said filmmakers can touch more people with what they produce and that movies inspire him in the creation of his own art, which ranges from computer graphics to surrealism.

Lawlor’s younger brother Ryan said he has yet to see Lawlor’s films but is sure he has the talent necessary for the movie industry.

“The movies he did as a kid were always funny, or interesting and good . I think he has the creativity to go far and making something with it,” the younger Lawlor said.

Originally from Lithicum, Md., Lawlor said his artist grandfather supported him in making art. Lawlor said he can remember drawing throughout his life – from scribbles to superheroes.

He lists Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Alex Grey among his favorite artists.

Lawlor’s high school classmate Shane Matthew said he deeply admires Lawlor’s artistic abilities.

“I love Doug’s artwork. He has a very dark style. As far as the painting is concerned, it has a very rough edge, wide variance in contrast and vivid colors,” Matthew said. “He really puts the potential of human imagination into a perspective that anyone can respect.”

In order to be successful as an artist, Lawlor said he wants to be able to create different styles of art. He lists extreme realism as his biggest challenge. His other challenge is actually getting around to creating art.

“I am very social. I do not like to be myself, so I will still do art in a social environment,” Lawlor said.

Lawlor said he would like to do a variety of things in the future, from working on other people’s films, to collaborating. His dream job would be to own an Andy Warhol-type club where artists socialize while creating art.

Lawlor’s work will be featured at Lift Coffee Shop on Broad Street Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. When asked how he is going to feel on the big night he said, “I would go and relax. . I would not want people to know I was the artist.”

Lawlor said, although he is not fame hungry, one of his friends thinks he is narcissistic. Lawlor said narcissism is a trait artists need so the public can notice their work.

“I always ask people what they think. . I just want them to be able to relate to it in their own way,” he said.