Former sports reporter brings love of the game to life in art

July 20, 2026 - 18:56

Bob Samuelson spent decades covering high school and college sports as a print and broadcast reporter in Edgerton and Janesville. Now, he has traded his notepad for a pencil, channeling his deep knowledge of athletics into detailed hand-drawn portraits of legendary sports figures.

Samuelson's transition from journalist to artist began quietly. After years of writing game stories and interviewing coaches, he found himself drawn to capturing the physical intensity and emotion of athletes on paper. His subjects range from iconic baseball sluggers to gridiron greats, each portrait reflecting not just a likeness but a sense of the athlete's presence on the field.

"I have always loved the game," Samuelson said. "Drawing these portraits lets me stay connected to that world, but in a quieter, more personal way."

Each piece takes hours of careful shading and line work. Samuelson relies on reference photos from his own memory and old game footage, aiming to freeze a single moment of action or concentration. The result is a collection that resonates with fellow sports fans who recognize the grit behind the glory.

While he no longer files daily reports, Samuelson's work continues to tell stories. His portraits hang in local businesses and private collections, offering a tribute to the athletes who inspired him throughout his reporting career. For Samuelson, the game never really ended. It just found a new canvas.