#00285 Tanino Liberatore

The drawing presents a reclining female figure rendered in colored pencil. The subject is positioned diagonally across the frame, her head tilted upwards and slightly to the left, creating a sense of languid repose. Her gaze is direct, almost confrontational, with wide eyes that suggest an unsettling stillness rather than vulnerability.
The artist has employed a palette dominated by cool tones – predominantly blues and greens – which imbue the figure with an otherworldly quality. The skin appears almost translucent, achieved through delicate layering and subtle shifts in color temperature. This effect is contrasted by the vibrant, patterned fabric of her lower garment; a playful arrangement of orange, black, and white spots against a cream background. The juxtaposition of this lively pattern with the muted tones of the figure’s flesh creates visual tension.
The composition emphasizes the bodys form through careful modeling of light and shadow. While anatomical accuracy is present, theres a deliberate stylization evident in the proportions – particularly the broad shoulders and strong upper arms – which contribute to an impression of power and defiance rather than conventional feminine beauty. The artist has chosen to depict the figure’s breasts with a degree of naturalism that avoids idealization, further reinforcing this sense of unvarnished realism.
The background is rendered in warm earth tones – ochre and burnt sienna – which serve to isolate the figure while also providing a grounding element. A dark border frames the image, intensifying the focus on the central subject.
Subtly unsettling elements are present. The unnaturalness of the blue hair, combined with the direct gaze and stylized physique, suggests an exploration of identity beyond conventional representations. Theres a sense that this is not merely a depiction of the female form but rather a commentary on its construction and perception. The overall effect is one of controlled ambiguity – a portrait that invites contemplation about beauty, power, and self-representation.