Rough drawing of an old man

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I started the drawing on soft drawing paper, using an HB charcoal pencil.
I wanted to capture a sense of deep contemplation, perhaps even longing.

His gaze is directed upward, almost as if he's searching for something - memories, answers, or maybe just a moment of clarity.

I worked with strong contrasts to shape his features, emphasizing the deep wrinkles and contours of his face. The highlights, especially in his beard and forehead, help create a sense of depth as if he is emerging from the background, coming into focus from another time or world.

I wanted his hair and beard to look alive as if they were moving with an invisible force - perhaps the wind, or perhaps something more symbolic, like the passage of time itself. I used a combination of thin, controlled strokes for texture and looser, broader lines to create that sense of movement. It gives the figure an almost ethereal presence, like a wandering sage or a figure from mythology.

I also wanted his face to tell a story, even in this preliminary study. Every wrinkle, every shadow, every strand of hair is a testament to the passage of time. He has seen and felt so much, and yet there is still a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
I hope you see more than just a portrait. I want you to be able to feel the weight of time, the beauty of aging, and the quiet power of reflection.

I wish you a very nice day!

Peace Is Over

by J.Van de Perre - video demo, painting process