In my artistic endeavor, I embarked on a challenging journey to create a compelling and detailed charcoal depiction of my father's expressive face. This monumental piece, standing at two feet by three feet tall, dominates the canvas with his intense gaze against a backdrop of profound blackness. The inspiration for this work arose from my desire to explore the grand scale of art, a passion ignited during a class where I experimented with larger formats.
My motivation for portraying my father's visage emerged from a previous attempt at a self-portrait in March 2022. Despite the challenges and mistakes encountered while grappling with charcoal, my determination to master the medium led me to this ambitious project. I deliberately chose my father as the subject, eager to capture the intricate details of aging and use this opportunity to refine my charcoal technique.
Creating a detailed portrait of someone else proved to be more demanding than a self-portrait. My father's nuanced expressions became my guide as I delved into the complexities of facial features. To achieve accuracy, I studied the reference picture meticulously, pushing the boundaries of my artistic skill.
Navigating the intricacies of charcoal, I encountered challenges, particularly in capturing the right tones for the forehead. My innovative solution involved photographing the drawing and adjusting the contrast to amplify differences, ensuring alignment with the reference image.
The arduous 60+ hours invested in this project tested my dedication. A setback occurred when a pillow accidentally smudged away ten hours of meticulous work. Despite the temptation to abandon the piece, I persevered, determined to overcome challenges. Additionally, the canvas's resistance to charcoal posed difficulties, requiring me to explore various tutorials and innovative techniques to achieve the desired contrast on the acrylic paint canvas I acquired for $2.
In the face of adversity, my commitment to perfection and attention to extreme details prevailed. The end result is a testament to my unwavering dedication and ability to navigate setbacks. This artwork, a source of pride, will find a prominent place in my home, serving as a symbol of my artistic journey and triumph over challenges.
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