Figure study from photo

Sketched a figure with muscles filled in. This took roughly 2 hours to complete. With all the charcoal I have managed to make from home;I feel I have put it to good use.

Bargue plate

I took some time off again. To refresh my mind and get me back in my element;I decided to do a quick Bargue copy. This is is all done in some home made charcoal I create from vine.

Head study

Head study on a girl with white dyed hair. This is incomplete work hence there are unbalanced highlights(white chalk).Working on it

Headscarf portrait

It has taken me roughly 14 days(5 hours per day) to come up with the best recreation of a portrait I have titled "The Headscarf". Throughout the past few months I have learned the importance of capturing the human form as it is by studying Bargue plates. Being self taught comes with its perks as you can switch from traditional to modern art and be completely free to choose which style you prefer rather quickly.

This woman,I came across a while back.I did a sketch on her and completely failed the proportions,yet at the time,it seemed all perfect and well done. A few months later I revisited the sketch and was determined to fix it. This resulted in a  realistic portrait you see before you.

The faces I see when I walk in my room

The first thing I see when i go to my room,which has a compilation of all my works pinned on the wall,is a face of a dark skinned,beautiful woman whose eyes completely stop me in my tracks. I look at her and appreciate the tone of her skin,her eyes. Most importantly; I take a moment to appreciate the hands that made her look as stunning as she does.

Top legt:headscarf,right:my twin sister,bottom:head study from a photo.

The Orient

After not posting for a while due to blog not responding, I continue where I left off..
This is yet another portrait of a beautiful Oriental woman of whom I have no familiarity with. I was browsing through Pinterest and  I immediately got compelled by her face.This is my best effort of recreating what I saw in her.

Portrait done in 2B,HB pencils and white chalk.Hand toned paper

Syrian child

Upon the discovery that most Syrian children suffered trauma ,I went on the Internet and searched images of the aftershock of the attacks on Syria. As I was browsing ,I came across a photo of a young girl crying.My immediate reaction was to  draw her photo as I felt it was the right thing to do.This portrait was done with graphite and charcoal. Enjoy

Figure study

One of more to come. This study is based on a girl with dark skin. This is my first step into figurative art.

Bargue copy complete

Progress on Bargue drawing

#2 Bargue drawing

Second Bargue drawing and I am continuing with facial and portrait studies.

Bargue study

I decided to dedicate my time to study all the Bargue drawings I can  work with.My goal is to achieve realism in all my works.

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

Self portrait(expressive)

Expressive art appeals to me in a sense that one can make a mistake and cover it by either adding another line,erasure or simply shading.Today I wanted to do a self portrait I had been observing for some time. So I decided to go for it. Half way through the process,I felt as though a clean portrait wasn't the answer. I then added charcoal,more dark lines and more charcoal. What resulted was a semi realistic piece. This,I found,satisfying.

Bargue drawing

I am fairly new to classical drawing.I am dedicating time into learning this art form.I hope to master it and teach those who might be interested, especially in my home country,South Africa.I plan on doing this as there classic art scene is not as popular or as desirable as in mostly European countries.

Self portrait

I just came out of the shower and thought, "let draw myself today". O then sat on  the only in my bedroom.I stroke e pose and took that shot.Here is the results of that shoot.

And so on...

Portrait continued

Portrait of a lady from Niger.Unknown to me

Smiles around the world