Nicholas Orsini (1931-2012) was a highly esteemed painter and author of the renowned book, The Language of Drawing. He graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a major in painting and later obtained an MFA degree from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Orsini further refined his skills by studying at the Academy of Fine Arts and in Italy. In addition to his artistic contributions, he also shared his expertise as a professor of art at several universities, including within the Hamden area. His legacy lives on after his passing at the age of 81 in 2012.