DRAWING inspiration from THE GAME

from Northwest Golf Adventures Magazine

ECO-POLO

Stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19 have left many Americans with a lot of time on their hands. Some have been able to work at home, while others were furloughed and find themselves looking for different ways to spend the day.

Ed Rini, a Delaware resident and sign fabricator, is one of the latter. He’s combined his love of drawing and interest in golf to create a whole new way to make money.

“I was a collegiate bowler but had to give that up six or seven years ago, so I started playing more golf. With the courses around me closed, I found I was getting my golf fix by drawing golfers and golf courses,” said Rini.

His work first popped up in a Facebook group for golf. What began with just a few drawings quickly turned into requests, commissions, and - more importantly - a few sales.

“I’ve been drawing for years and it’s great that people are getting to see my work. It’s really satisfying that people like them.”

Rini said he started with whatever golf photos he found in magazines and then drawing them in pencil or putting several together into a collage. Now, he’s searching the internet for just the right photo to recreate.

“Selling a few prints has been really nice,” said Rini. “It’s also been fun getting non-golf commissions from people asking me to draw their kids, family members, or different landscapes.” His work has also made it into the hands of several of his famous subjects. Rini now has signed copies of drawings that include Paul Casey, Adam Scott, Justin Thomas, and Rory McIlroy. He’s currently working to get his favorite drawing - an action shot of Tiger Woods - signed by the 15-time major winner.

“Golf is such a head game, but it’s a sport I respect because it’s not easy,” said Rini. “Drawing is similar to golf, I’m always trying to get better with every picture I draw as I do with each round I play.”

Following his popularity on social media, Rini has launched a website to promote and sell his artwork. You can find more examples of his work and order your prints at www.erinipencilart.com.