
Sketchbook: Bienfang Bristol Vellum paper
Media: STÆDTLER graphite pencils
Earlier this year, I indicated that the theme of my portrait sketches in 2021 would exude more expressions/emotions with some interludes pending striking inspirations, and my recent study seems to suggest we are on the right track.
Like always, I came across my recent portrait study on Pinterest, all monochromatic, and the wisest option was to approach this drawing using graphite pencils on a vellum surface. What particular piqued my interest in this study was my long-dreaded fear of going too dark in shading and drawing drops of water. I found this crying child or Ninõ (as dubbed by Pedro Luis Raota, the actual photographer, in 1970) encapsulating all I have always feared in drawing; thus, I decided to take on the challenge.
Initially, things went smooth, but I had not even gotten to the teardrops and my 8B pencils were already toast because of the number of dark areas I had to cover; however, I had to improvise with my other pencil grades.
Although likeness suffered a bit, one key takeaway from the drawing was that the bigger the size, the better the details you capture in your portraits, so these enabled shading the teardrops fairly easy.
Overall, I was somewhat pleased with the drawing, if, for anything, its successful completion and I look forward to taking on more expressive portraits before the year runs out.
Lastly, do imbibe this quatrain I wrote as inspired by the drawing, and take it with you as you enjoy your lovely days ahead. Cheers!
Though the dark’s mouth may spew sorrow,
with our limbs caught ‘tween its jaws of pain,
always remember there is a dance tomorrow,
where our teardrops elope with the rain.
Cheemnonso
So Amazing!! Both- the poem and the sketch.
I especially love the teary/damp effect in the eyes, it almost looks 3 dimensional and comes out so naturally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ana. Really uplifting!🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
From what I see, Nonso; suffice it to say, you did justice and overcame your fear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, guess I’d use this as a stepping stone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, there is a dance tomorrow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😂😂, as always.
LikeLike
Gorgeous
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you see it that way, Denise. Thank you🙂.
LikeLike
Excellent job with the facial features and tears.
Art
LikeLiked by 1 person
…coming from Art, I should be pleased😀. Thanks a lot.
LikeLike
Beautiful!
LikeLike
Thanks for finding the work beautiful😊.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sarah😊.
LikeLike
A very moving portrait and poem. Thanks for sharing.
Gwen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a pleasure sharing, Gwen. Thanks for your thoughts towards it🙂.
LikeLike
you did it perfectly, the shading is very soft and the dark color placement is very balanced
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Leny. Very much appreciate your remark🙂.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elegant and beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Elated you see it this way, Anand. Thank you🙂.
LikeLike
Beautiful poem and sketch! The shading is wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really value your thoughts towards the poem and sketch. Thank you😊.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Love & Love Alone.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a bunch🙏.
LikeLike
amazing sketching – I can’t do this at all. Loved the poem too – so true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Freya. Really means a lot coming from you🌹.
LikeLike
Found the account of the drawing very interesting and loved the poem.
Gwen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gwen🙂
LikeLike
The detail is amazing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your take on the piece, Kevin. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have captured this brilliantly. I sense that Ninõ is about to stop crying and will ultimately smile broadly – such is my hope. —CC
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed Chagall, such is our hope for Ninõ🙂. Many thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] pencils on a 9 by 12 inch Bristol vellum paper (small surface given reference photo). In my After Dark post, I highlighted the importance of shading drawings of big sizes, as this captures more details […]
LikeLike