Lawrence uses water-based mediums such as acrylic and gouache paint to depict scenes of black life, specifically inspired by street scenes, many of his paintings hold movement and describe the daily experience of black people. Lawrence was also heavily inspired by tools, depicting external tools, as well as emphasizing hands and feet to express this intentionality. In the documentary titled The Glory of Expression about Lawrence, he describes his paintings as “the healthiest part of his personality, the part that is in close touch both with the inner depth of his own feelings and with the outer world.” In this documentary, he is also described as a “humanist with a moral vision.” Lawrence’s work gives an accurate depiction of the dark aspects of human history and black experience, while simultaneously evoking pride and honoring the experience of this community. One artwork that highlights Lawrence’s influence and historical relevance is Confrontation at the Bridge, 1975. This work depicts an important moment in the civil rights movement in 1965 when unarmed black protesters marched from Selma to Montgomery to advocate for black voting