About this artwork

COMMANDING PRESENCE

In this piece, "Commanding Presence", I sought to capture the profound depth of the human gaze. Rendered in charcoal, the subject is depicted in a three-quarter pose, with her face meticulously detailed to convey a professional and lifelike realism. This precision is deliberately contrasted with a looser, more expressive handling of her hair and the areas below her face, allowing the medium to breathe and evoke a sense of spontaneous energy.

Inspired by the teachings of artist Robert Kelley and his Let's Face It course, this artwork represents a significant step in my creative journey. I was fascinated by Robert's mastery of balancing precise proportions with a dynamic, less-controlled application of the medium. This push and pull is at the heart of this piece, where the smallest mark affects the overall emotional weight of the portrait.

Choosing to work on a higher-grade, archival paper for this particular drawing was a deliberate decision, reflecting a growing confidence in my craft and a desire to create a lasting tribute to the subject's striking expression. The result is a piece that is both a technical study and a testament to the captivating power of charcoal to command attention.

Paper: Canson Mi-Tientes, Pearl Grey, 160 gsm
Size: 38cm x 53.5cm (60.3 x 73.6cm Framed)
Medium: Charcoal

Price includes frame