This sketch is a study in form, light, and perspective. I wanted to capture a sense of upward motion—not just in the physical angle of the face but in the expression itself. There’s a quiet hopefulness in the gaze, as if the subject is looking toward something beyond the frame.
The structure was my main focus here. I used strong construction lines to build the proportions, and you can still see some of those guidelines beneath the shading. The cross-hatching is intentional—rather than blending, I wanted to emphasize the planes of the face, breaking it down into geometric forms.
The lighting is subtle but directional, coming from above and slightly to the left. This creates deep shadows under the nose, lips, and chin, reinforcing the sense of depth. I kept the hair loose and undefined, allowing the focus to remain on the facial structure and expression.
Overall, this is a technical exercise, but one that also carries emotion. The slight parting of the lips, the light catching in the eyes—small details like these bring life to a simple study.
First strokes...
Intermediate stage...
The final stage for this study drawing.