Charcoal Portraits Portray Intense Drama and Emotion Through Shadows

By Anna Gragert on May 25, 2015

When sketching monochromatic portraits of his subjects, English artist Dylan Andrews does not use a typical technique. With a significant focus on both light and shadow, the 21-year-old student portrays emotion in his charcoal drawings without relying on obvious facial expressions. Instead, the artist manipulates the contrast of black and white tones to construct a dramatic theme within his work. His subjects then appear to exude passion and theatricality from beneath the surface, which creates a thrilling atmosphere for viewers to observe.

Each portrait features a reflection from an object that cannot be seen. This shadow is illustrated across the face of Andrews' muse, which adds a sense of mystery to each work. The resulting shapes produce an element of surrealism, building upon the intense foundation that the portraitist initially establishes. This use of pattern and texture encourages observers to get lost in the fascinating aura that is given off by each person that is depicted in charcoal.