This study was all about intensity. I wanted to create a portrait that feels like it’s staring straight through you, challenging you in some way. The sharp gaze, the furrowed brows, the slightly pursed lips—they all work together to create a sense of tension and strength.
The lighting was crucial here. I used strong contrasts to carve out the face, making the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose stand out dramatically. The deep shadows under the eyes add weight, as if this person has endured something, carrying emotion just beneath the surface.
The hair was a balancing act. It’s structured, neatly parted, yet still textured with soft strokes to contrast the hard edges of the facial features. The background fades into shadow, reinforcing the focus on the expression.
I wanted this portrait to feel powerful, almost confrontational. There’s an unspoken story behind those eyes—one that I leave you to interpret.
Here is the first stage of the drawing
Giving deep to the face features.
The final stage for this study drawing.