Blue ballpoint pen portrait built through line, repetition, and accumulated marks. I let the background grow dense and restless while keeping the face comparatively quiet—using the brim and shadow to divide the portrait between what is revealed and what remains hidden.
Two pens resting on the table, drawn quickly before they were put back to work. The lines wander and double back, but that is part of looking: an ordinary object becomes particular when we give it our full attention.
Ink sketch from observation.
Okay, I may have paraphrased the quote unintentionally when I was drawing this but it still checks out, hopefully…!
“Say what you mean, because communication is a sure path to personal happiness. But don’t say it mean, because causing pain for others will never heal your own.” - Kay Medaglia.
