PORTRAIT OF AN OLDER WOMAN

Graphite and charcoal on paper

29.7 x 21.0 cm

In this drawing, I aimed to highlight the unique beauty found in every face, especially those that may not fit conventional standards of beauty. It might sound like a cliché to say that true beauty transcends mere appearance, but it's a sentiment I genuinely resonate with.

When I first started drawing portraits, I believed I’d be most captivated by youthful, classically beautiful faces. However, as I continued to explore portraiture, I developed a new appreciation for faces with distinctive characteristics that tell their own stories. Through my art, I’ve come to see that beauty exists in places where I might not have expected to find it.

The wrinkles and lines on this older woman’s face are more than just signs of age; they are a tapestry woven with her life's experiences—moments of surprise, joy, and reflection. The kindness and depth radiating from her face are what truly make her beautiful, illustrating that true beauty often lies in the richness of a person’s life and the authenticity of their character.