Artist Blends Whimsy with Physics in Drawing the Details That Grab the Eye

Bob Friedenberg’s art makes you think.

It’s wildly detailed.

There’s often physics involved.

It stimulates the senses.

It’s fun for the eyes.

“I’m trying to draw things that don’t fade into the wallpaper,” said Friedenberg, whose art under the name Not-Wolf-Productions is a regular at Rose Squared Art Shows. “I want my art to grab your attention, even after you’ve had it for many years. My work forces you to look at it.”

What you see today might not be what you see tomorrow or next month.

Using only a .25 Rapidograph pen and acid free paper, Friedenberg freehands highly complex designs in black and white ink. He explores nature, animals, machinery, musical instruments, space, science fiction, fantasy and more, often weaving his life experiences into the personality of his images.

Friedenberg doodled often, whether taking notes in high school science classes or working toward his dissertation in pion nuclear matter scattering. He earned a PhD in theoretical nuclear physics from Case Western University and admits, “I was Sheldon,” referencing the prodigy from “The Big Bang Theory.”

A career in engineering, software development, cybersecurity and management consulting filled up some 40 years of his life until 2010 when his daughter presented him with a pad and pens and urged, “Dad, get back into it!”

Friedenberg started drawing again, and later that year showed at his first art festival. Over time he added more festivals to his slate. His hobby became a side hustle, and in 2023, he transitioned to full-time artist. His business name, Not-Wolf-Productions, stems from his companion dog, a Shepard-Husky-Malamute mix, often mistaken for a wolf. His wife fell in love with the breed, and their first one, Howi (Miwok Indian for “Turtle Dove”), has passed. Another named Louie is his furry companion.

Check out his piece “Wolf Wannabe,” and for a science kick, zoom in on the moon.

It’s hard to glance at any of his work and move away. The pen and ink giclee prints, each fitted with a mat for standard-size framing, require study to explore all the components. Friedenberg especially favors drawing night skies and planets. His love of sci-fi dates back to reading Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and Ray Bradbury in the 1960s, though he leans toward author Jack Vance because of his protagonists triumphing despite heady obstacles.

Some of Friedenberg’s drawings comprise a series, including several versions of his interpretation of Entropy, the term from physics to describe increasing chaos and disorder, and Scenic Drinks, three version of scenery to relax over cocktails on Adirondack chairs.

“I’m kind of anti-pattern,” he said. “I like chaos. Chaotic doodles.”

Friedenberg has drawn two alphabet coffee table books – one dedicated to science fiction and another to physics. His “Careful What you Draw!” is a board book for ages 4-10.

Some of his customers who are physics buffs get very close to deciphering what his dissertation was, given his penchant for including the equations that stump him these days.

Friedenberg, who lives in Round Hill, Virginia, feels a sense of freedom while he works, toting his portable tools wherever he goes. He’s been asked about incorporating color or etchings, but he sticks to the same pen and paper he used in the ’70s.

“I’d rather explore the universe of content than the universe of technique,” he said.

Lose yourself in Friedenberg’s art in 2025 as he plans to bring Not-Wolf-Productions to Ludwig’s Corner (September 13-14) and Fall Brookdale Park (October 18-19).