About Artist

Bob Saintsing has an Applied Science degree in Opticianry and a Bachelors of Business Administration. He was a working optician in Richmond, Virginia for over 14 years. Though he remains a licensed optician it was only a short matter of time for the onetime weekend artist to integrate the tools of his trade with his desire to be creative on a full time basis. The pens, pencils, and brushes once favored by the artist have gradually been replaced with the files, awls, and drills used by an optician.

His first etched lens was done on a lark one slow day at the office. It was a simple design but the texture and definition accomplished with a few precise scratches and gouges was captivating. He had discovered a new and exciting canvas on which to apply his drawings. The successful completion of several lens designs prompted the use of acrylic for the increased thickness and capability of more complex creations. After time and numerous attempts, the efforts began to materialize into products worthy of being called art. “The simple beauty of this art is the ability to show such detail and precision. Images can actually appear captured with wonderful depth and dimension.”

Bob entered his first judged art show in 1996 with his pen and ink drawings “Silhouette Series” and “Sentenced To The Rack”. He was honored with First Place ribbons in both categories, pen and ink and mixed medium. The “Silhouette Series” garnered recognition as the Best In Show. “I entered the show with the sole intention of discovery. I needed to see if outside segments of the public would appreciate my work as much as my inner circle of family and friends. Those closest to you can be most sincere with their opinions of your art but somewhere deep inside you have to wonder if the review may be a little bias due to your relationship. I was simply seeking that un-bias reviewer. I heard more than once I told you so.”

Bob has been selected by jury to enter mixed media shows numerous times over the last couple of years and certainly plans to continue this means of exposure. “My dream of being recognized as an artist has become a full time job. I don't go to work everyday as the optician anymore. I’m the aspiring artist striving for enough exposure and recognition to afford being considered solely an artist.”


Bob and his wife celebrated 25 years of partnership in 2006. They have one daughter. He enjoys an occasional round of Frisbee golf.