Tan Face Forward

This artwork is a character sketch of a tan colored face looking forward, directly at the viewer. The conceptual portrait was initially painted with a tan colored paint pen to block in a silhouette of prominent facial features, like the eyes, nose, mouth and forehead. After the paint dried, a fading brown marker was used to draw the left side of the face. As the marker ran out of ink, it was used to create gradients of shadows that help define the forms and planes of the face. A dried out purple marker was also used to shade lighter areas around the eyes, nose and mouth. A thin black pen was used to create a sharp outline in specific areas along the border where different colors and mediums meet. This helps to accentuate unique shapes throughout the drawing, creating the illusion of shadows, peeling layers and deep creases. A white gel pen was used to a similar effect, in addition to adding highlights. The strikingly contrasted eyes stare directly forward at the viewer, with the head tilted slightly forward, mostly expressionless. The slightly upturned corners of the mouth, lack of eyebrows and mottled, unusual skin textures may elicit a degree of apprehensive curiosity.