lrs Smith Barry W Blackwater Barry W Smith

The drawing presents a figure submerged in water, rendered entirely in black and white using dense cross-hatching techniques. The composition is dominated by horizontal lines that suggest both the surface of the water and a distant horizon. A sense of depth is created through variations in line density; areas closer to the viewer are more heavily shaded, while those further away appear lighter.
The central figure appears male, identifiable by the presence of eyeglasses perched on his nose. He lies supine within the water, limbs splayed at awkward angles, suggesting a lack of control or struggle. The artist has meticulously detailed the texture of the water’s surface, creating an illusion of movement and fluidity through overlapping lines. Tall grasses or reeds grow densely around the figures body, further obscuring him from view and contributing to a feeling of isolation.
The absence of color contributes significantly to the drawing’s somber mood. The stark contrast between black and white amplifies the sense of drama and emphasizes the vulnerability of the individual within this environment. There is an unsettling ambiguity regarding the circumstances surrounding the figures presence in the water; it is unclear whether he is drowning, deceased, or simply resting.
The meticulous rendering of detail, particularly on the face and hands, invites close scrutiny. The expression on the man’s face is difficult to discern, adding to the overall mystery. The drawing seems to explore themes of mortality, solitude, and perhaps a confrontation with natures power. It evokes a sense of melancholy and quiet contemplation, leaving the viewer to ponder the narrative behind this solitary figure in the water.