I wanted to draw something with a bit more grit and edge ~
Tested, is a freehand charcoal sketch (12×9, Strathmore paper), portrays a guy whose life took a turn that probably has put a few tests in his path. Materials used: charcoal vine, compressed charcoal, a kneaded eraser and round brush.
My reference was from the Wetcanvas library. Please click onto the image for a larger size.
MY ART IS COPYRIGHTED.
PLEASE DON’T COPY OR USE MY IMAGE WITHOUT RECEIVING MY PERMISSION FIRST – SEE DISCLOSURE ON THE RIGHT PANEL.
Oil Pastels by Mary 
I do not know so much about art and paintings, but yours are amazing..
What a beautiful comment, thank you so much!
This makes me think he’s about to head out to sea and is going to miss his family. He looks sad, but there’s a hint of anticipation of the adventures to come.
I know nothing about art, except what I like.
Thank you, Mary.
Hope this day is treating you kindly. 🙂
Thanks D! I like how you’ve taken the visual and made it your own. Isn’t that what art is all about? Knowing what we like, for whatever the reason something about the piece speaks to us. I really appreciate your compliment. Have a wonderful week ahead ~
It all about life.And the story he has inside. We can imagine something about. Well done
robert
Thank you Robert – I loved that it’s what you write, many are imaging about the guy. It’s a wonder of what brought him to this point in his life. Thanks again ~
Oh yes I totally see the edginess in this one – well done, Mary!
Thanks Christy!
I like his rough edges. 🙂
Thank Brenda – your reaction is what I was hoping would strike people. I could have gone a bit rougher and hardened his eyes, but was satisfied with the sad circumstance – leaving the story untold.
He looks like he has a story. The technique was perfect for his face and beard. 🙂
Thanks Brenda!
Love this charcoal painting, Mary! I feel like his is looking at me and he has stories to tell…
It’s one of those fellows that we pass by on city streets, don’t really want to look him in the eye and yet, there is a human in there. Something provoked this life choice. Thank you Amy – I enjoyed your response!
Only the artist can sense it. Thank you for your reply, Mary!
That has a lot of character!
Thank you Fiona!
Scary dude!
I’m laughing Dorann – totally!
This is really outstanding, Mary. 🙂
Thank you so much Sylvia for your lovely comment!
He does have grit and character Mary!
Thanks Susan!
Well done Mary, he does look a little rough around the edges. Wonderful texture in the beard and hair.
Thanks Beth – there is so much charcoal and dust, it will take a couple of coats of fixative to seal the drawing. The textures were a lot of fun building in his beard and hair – so happy you noticed.
You’ve captures so much personality, Mary!
Thanks Elena, every time I draw a wrinkle I think of your character comment on the drawing I did with the old hand and horse – I’m thrilled that you mention personality with Tested.
Great work, Mary! You invite the viewer to think about this guy and his history… Well done!
Thanks so much Alexandra – so glad you enjoyed the piece. You captured my goal perfectly.
Strong work, Mary, well resolved.
Best Always
john
Wonderful comment John, thank you so much!
Your portraits are going from strength to strength, Mary. I am fascinated by all the subjects you have chosen for this series.
Thank you so much Gallivanta – for this drawing I really wanted someone with character and with a story to tell. This guy was perfect, letting the viewer try to get into his head. Thank you for your generous comment – have a great week!
such great work, he looks to be an interesting fellow. 😉 your work keeps getting better and better!
Thanks so much Linda – I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your encouragement. Hope you are on the mend!
I like the “grit and edge,” Mary…you do it well. 🙂
Thanks Jet!!
Yay~! The image loaded! I continue to admire the way you keep going out on new limbs — intrepid Miss Mary —- you’re an inspiration for all!
Now let’s click the heels together and nod toward the sunset and make this comment soar out of the box! z
Nope.. strike one…
What a joy to hear from you Z! Thank you for your encouraging compliment – seriously you continue to push me past new heights. This is fun, right?
Glad to see you are having some luck with power and accessing the internet. Hope this week is smoother and happy creating!
Excellent, Mary. This portrait could very well be a Dostoyevsky character! 🙂
Thank you so much Marina. There is something in what you write, he very well could portray getting lost in the political system of the unfortunates. You have such depth over a broad spectrum of topics – intriguing and compelling. Hope you have a lovely week.
Does make me wonder what his story might be… beautiful work, Mary.
Thanks Jane, that’s exactly what I thought when I saw the guy – what’s the deal here.
Wow thats fabulous really gritty and real
Thanks Justine! A bit haunting, don’t you think?
heh, i am easily haunted lol
You’ve really captured us here Mary .. very much ‘grit and edge’ I like your description .
I always wonder what’s going on behind a beard as it were 😉
Thanks Poppy, he was perfect for what I had in mind. That beard hides a lot, don’t you think? Wonder the story here ~
He looks a rum cove, to be sure. Possibly a poet like me!
Great work, Mary.
Thanks for your generous comment Paul – yes, rum cove (that’s a good one).
Very strong characterization, Mary, nice work! but….I’m not inviting him to my birthday party.
🙂
Thanks Poppy!
Thanks Cynthia, I enjoyed the way you describe this. We’ll celebrate your birthday with only happy, smiley faces! So glad you enjoyed it!
Really great work. Makes you wonder what he’s been or going through.
Thanks Gloria, yes – that’s exactly what I wondered. There’s a real haunted look about him.
Wonderful beard there, Mary! Of course I say that referring to the subject, not you 😉 Very nicely done. Great rugged quality to it.
Hi Steven, thanks very much for your thoughts and feedback. He was a real scruffy kind of guy that brought about more questions. Glad you noticed the beard, that was fun and rugged is a great word to described him.