David Lazarus studied at the Bath Academy of Art in England. He came to Nantucket to do scrimshaw in the 1970s. He was born in London, England, and counts among his early artistic experiences a fascination with the art of scrimshaw. The miniature scale of this medium suited him well, as it enabled him to travel with a studio the size of a cigar box. Eventually settling on Nantucket, Lazarus established himself as one of the island's premier artists.

During the last 25 years, Lazarus has devoted more time to painting in oils.
"The looseness of pushing paint around after having engraved miles of tiny lines, has been liberating as well as challenging".

David's more traditional work recalls a modern-day Frank W. Benson in terms of his brushwork. His work is bright, vivid and full of light. His impressionist style allows him to move the paint around the canvas and place it just so. His paintings are a high-wire act with risks and rewards. His more recent experimental work in abstraction, offers the same bright, vivid light and joyfulness of color.