reb char Miles Williams Mathis

Here we observe a portrait study executed in charcoal on paper. The subject is a woman depicted in profile, her gaze directed downwards and slightly away from the viewer. Her hair is styled into an updo, with loose tendrils framing her face. The artist has employed a limited tonal range, primarily relying on shades of gray to define form and create depth.
The drawing’s strength lies in its rendering of light and shadow. A soft light source appears to originate from the left, illuminating one side of the womans face and neck while leaving the opposite side in relative darkness. This contrast accentuates the contours of her features – the delicate curve of her nose, the subtle indentation beneath her chin, and the gentle slope of her shoulders. The artist’s use of charcoal allows for a range of textures; smooth blending suggests areas of soft flesh, while more vigorous strokes define the hairs volume and direction.
The woman’s posture conveys a sense of introspection or melancholy. Her lowered gaze and averted expression suggest an inward focus, hinting at a contemplative state of mind. The simplicity of the composition – a single figure against a plain background – further emphasizes this mood of quiet solitude. There is a certain vulnerability in her pose; she appears lost in thought, shielded from external observation.
The drawing’s unfinished quality contributes to its overall effect. The lack of detailed rendering and the visible texture of the charcoal suggest that it may be an exploratory study rather than a finished work. This lends a sense of immediacy and intimacy to the portrait, as if we are witnessing a fleeting moment captured in time. It is not merely a representation of a face but a glimpse into a private emotional space.