As I was working on this commission, settling into a rhythm, my mind started to wander, as it so often does, engulfed in a world in which only myself and my subject exist.
And as it wandered, I began to wonder about the deep connection that unfolds as an artist attempts to capture the face of an older person.
Capturing a portrait of an older face is an intimate and profound task that requires looking beyond mere physical likeness and into the depths of the subject's lived experiences.
The weathered visage of such a face holds magical echoes of bygone eras and distant memories - in the crinkles around the eyes and the gentle curve of a smile, one finds the laughter shared during moments of joy, while furrows on the forehead speak of burdens carried and challenges overcome.
Each scar and crease bears witness to the passage of time, a testament to events that have shaped the chapters of a life well-lived. Behind the veil of wrinkles lie tales of love and loss, of dreams pursued - painting a portrait of a human in all its complexity and reminding us that the journey of life is as intricate and beautiful as the faces that carry its stories
.Just as every line and contour in an aging face tells a story, so too the act of drawing faces becomes a narrative of exploration and interpretation.
Through a process of deep observation, we study the nuances of the subject's face - the lines etched by time, the expression in their eyes, the subtle contours that reveal a lifetime of emotions.
Through keen attention to detail, the artist must strive to allude to the stories that lie hidden within the folds of their skin and the crinkles of their smile.
But beyond technical skill, I sense that empathy plays a crucial role in our endeavor to capture the essence of an older person's life-story.
Through empathy, the artist connects on an emotional level, striving to understand their joys, sorrows, and the richness of their experiences. This connection infuses the portrait with a sense of authenticity and depth, allowing the viewer to glimpse the inner world of the subject and resonate with their journey through life.
With each mark, the artist channels not only their own perceptions but also the spirit of the individual, weaving a narrative that results in a portrait that becomes more than a mere likeness; it becomes a testament to the resilience, wisdom, and beauty of aging - capturing the essence of humanity on paper or canvas.
Thoughts?
p.s. if you enjoyed the video, I’d be honoured if you were to click that little heart and restack ….
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