Hart Lawrence was born in Dover, Delaware. He began teaching himself to draw at a young age while in Philadelphia. His early drawings were ones you would expect from a young child. Sketches of Disney characters and copies of Christmas cards, but even then one could see his passion for detail.

Early in his twenties he came to California to join the Air Force and his talent broadened to pen and ink drawings as well as commissioned work. 'The Local Scene' as he called it was his artwork; showcasing the places he loved that were close by.

Hart was a people person. "No one is a stranger" he would always say! His love for others showed in his desire to share with us his favorite places, especially the beach! The many hours he spent fishing in the surf with his enormously long fishing pole must have given him more insight and detail that only he could portray in his artwork.

Known as one of the best Pen and Ink artists of California, he furthered his work to include sign paintings, murals, postcards and Christmas cards as well. Deborah's flowers in Newport Beach, the Crabcooker restaurant in Balboa, CA and the Lighthouse of Winchester Bay, OR were just a few examples of his commissioned work.

One can't help but marvel at the intricate detail in his artwork as you can see in his 'Red Rose', 'Daisy' and 'Sunflower' Paintings. We remember first hand how he would sit for hours and weeks to make the smallest detail as real as could be. His many works include floral paintings and seascape paintings of Malibu, CA and the California coast. There are also many Pen and Inks and Original Oil Paintings of the Balboa Fun Zone and the old covered bridges and cool windy waves of the Oregon coast.

We have missed him greatly since his passing in 1998, and yet we continue to cherish the times that we had and the treasures he has left behind. We know that you will be touched by his artwork as well.