kb Wu Leslie-27-516 Leslie Wu

The pastel drawing presents a close-up portrait of a young woman, rendered with a loose and expressive technique. The subject is positioned in profile, her gaze directed slightly over the viewers shoulder, creating a sense of introspection or perhaps a fleeting moment captured mid-thought.
Here we see a face characterized by delicate features: a gently sloping forehead, a slender nose, and full lips that suggest a quiet confidence. The artist has employed a warm palette – predominantly oranges, pinks, and reds – to depict the skin tones, lending the subject an air of vitality and youthfulness. These hues are juxtaposed with cooler blues and purples in the depiction of her hair, which cascades around her face in soft, swirling curls. The application of pastel is visible; short, broken strokes build up texture and volume, particularly noticeable in the rendering of the hair.
The background is a deep, almost impenetrable black, which serves to isolate the subject and intensify the focus on her features. This stark contrast eliminates any distracting elements, directing the viewers attention entirely to the woman’s expression. The signature, visible in the upper left corner, appears hastily rendered, further emphasizing the immediacy of the work.
Beyond a straightforward portrait, the drawing conveys an impression of melancholy or quiet contemplation. The averted gaze and subtle downturn of the mouth suggest a depth of feeling that is not explicitly stated but rather implied through nuanced details. Theres a vulnerability present in her expression, hinting at a complex inner life. The loose style and vibrant color choices contribute to a sense of emotional intensity, preventing the portrait from becoming merely representational; instead, it feels like an attempt to capture something ephemeral – a fleeting mood or psychological state.