Process & Story
This artwork was an exploration of the possibilities offered by Prismacolor pencils. My focus was on experimenting with vibrant colors that break away from traditional portraiture. Here I used bright reds, yellows, and blues to create a figure illuminated by a dynamic variety of colors, which was both challenging and rewarding. Through this piece, I focused on how different colors interact with each other, learning how to blend them to maintain their intensity without muddying the tones. I paid close attention to layering and transitions, ensuring that the interactions of colors created depth and dimension without losing vibrancy.
This piece was inspired by a photo of my cousin holding her child during the COVID pandemic. I created this artwork as an opportunity to expand my skills with black and white charcoal, choosing a brown cardboard background to serve as a mid-tone. Having primarily worked on white backgrounds before, this piece challenged me to use charcoal not only to build darker values but also to pinpoint areas of light, a new technique I practiced here. Additionally, the piece includes areas of high detail, such as the surgical cap, the hospital gown, and the blanket. These elements required close attention to textures, which was an exercise in controlling a medium that is naturally prone to smudging.