Drawing through a strange year

This portrait is from 2020, drawn in graphite. With the life room closed for most of the year, the traditional work slowed down and became more careful: longer sittings, a single subject, and time to look properly.

Slower looking

A graphite portrait rewards patience. The striped top, the fall of the hair and the slight tilt of the head are all built up in layers, with the darkest marks saved for the last pass so the face keeps its light.

It sits in the traditional artwork section of the gallery alongside the life drawings and prints.