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Sketching the news: Courtroom artists go where cameras can't
Off-Ramp with John Rabe Hero Image
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Dan Carino
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Feb 27, 2015
Sketching the news: Courtroom artists go where cameras can't
The work of speed-sketching courtroom artists is often our only glimpse of a famous trial. Think Michael Jackson, Charles Manson or Roman Polanski.
An illustration by Bill Robles of Michael Jackson on trial in 2005 for child molestation and related charges.
An illustration by Bill Robles of Michael Jackson on trial in 2005 for child molestation and related charges.
()

The work of speed-sketching courtroom artists is often our only glimpse of a famous trial. Think Michael Jackson, Charles Manson or Roman Polanski.

In high-profile legal showdowns, photography and filming is often banned or restricted. That's where speed-sketching courtroom illustrators come in. 

Emmy-nominated artist Bill Robles started his career in the 1970s, sketching the bizarre courtroom antics of Charles Manson and his "family." Since then, he's made a living covering famous (and infamous) trials. He's sketched scenes from the trials of Michael Jackson — six illustrations a day for five long months — Ted Kaczynski, "The Unabomber," Roman Polanski and others.

(Emmy-nominated artist Bill Robles with his work. Photo courtesy of Newport Beach Public Library)

Along with Robles, award-winning courtroom artists Elizabeth Williams and Aggie Kenny have sketched scenes from some of the most famous trials of the last century. Now their work is on display in an exhibition at the Newport Beach Library titled "The Illustrated Courtroom: Famous Trials in Pictures."

(A photo of the exhibition shows an illustration of Patty Hearst by Bill Robles. Photo by Katherine Mielke.)

Next Tuesday, these three  illustrators will be joined by former KNBC anchor Susan Hahn to discuss law, journalism and art — and where the three intersect. The recently released book, "The Illustrated Courtroom: 50 Years of Courtroom Art" by Williams and journalist Sue Russell, will be available for purchase.

Tuesday, March 3 at 7pm; Newport Beach Central Library, Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660. Admission is free. Visit the library's website for more information.