Character sketching exercises3

Artwork Interpretation

In terms of modeling, it abandons the precision of traditional realism. The figure’s contours and limbs present expressive generalization, similar to Lucian Freud’s subjective remodeling of human body structures in his paintings. By means of exaggerated volume and form, it conveys the inner spiritual temperament.

The composition follows the principle of simplicity and focus. The figure sits upright at the center of the picture. The blurred rendering of the background weakens environmental interference, allowing the viewer’s eyes to naturally converge on the subject. Just like the presentation of the lonely subject in Edward Hopper’s paintings, it magnifies the “sense of presence” of the figure through spatial blank - leaving.

The use of color is bold yet restrained. The interweaving of red and blue pastels creates an atmosphere in the collision of warmth and coldness, similar to the emotional handling of color in Chaim Soutine’s works. With non - naturalistic tones, it sets off the psychological state of the figure, making the picture break free from the shackles of realistic colors and directly reach the spiritual level.

The brushwork is the soul of the picture. The light sweeping and overlapping of pastels form rich texture layers. It has both the unique soft texture of pastels and implies the flexibility and freedom of sketches, like Edgar Degas’ pastel figure paintings. By means of the virtual and real, thick and thin brushstrokes, it endows the figure with dynamics and vitality, giving the static sitting posture a breathing rhythm.

The content and theme focus on the ordinary moments of an individual. The casual sitting posture and gestures of the figure capture the natural state in life. However, in the artistic transformation of pastels, it is sublimated into a contemplation of the authenticity of human nature — this is not a simple portrait depiction, but a search for the hidden spiritual code through the figure’s form.

The emotional expression is hidden among colors and brushstrokes. The interweaving of the warmth of red and the calmness of blue conveys the complex mood of the figure. There seems to be a peaceful acceptance of life, and at the same time, a bit of wandering thoughts during solitude. Just like the capture of emotions in Edvard Munch’s works, it is presented in a more implicit way. It allows viewers to empathize with this ordinary yet profound spiritual slice in the pastel rendering, and feel the poetic refinement of daily life by art.

Q1: What is the main pose of the figure in this sketch?

The model sits upright in a chair with a slight twist in the torso. The hands rest in a relaxed, asymmetrical position—one forward, one behind—while the face turns toward the viewer with a calm yet subtly distant expression.

Q2: What colors and lines are used in the composition?

The palette centers on reddish ochre and gray, with warm tones covering the figure. Loose charcoal lines reinforce the body’s weight and presence, while also keeping the fluid quality of a quick sketch.

Q3: What role does the background play?

The background is soft and hazy, rendered in gentle patches of tone rather than detail. This treatment contrasts with the figure, focusing attention on the body and expression.

Q4: How are the folds of clothing and the hands treated?

The clothing folds are blocked in with broad, sculptural shapes, while the hands receive more detailed emphasis. Their delicate gestures suggest an underlying psychological state within the otherwise still pose.

Q5: How does the brushwork style differ from the previous two sketches?

Unlike the earlier works that relied more heavily on black and gray shading, this piece highlights red linework and washes. The strokes are soft yet firm, with concentrated pressure on the face and hands, giving the drawing stronger expressive impact.