Artist Statement: Figure Studies
This body of work represents a sustained, years-long commitment to the daily practice of figure drawing, centered on the intimate and fleeting milestones of childhood. With subjects readily available in my own home, I used the daily rhythms of my children’s lives as a laboratory for observational drawing and perceptual inquiry. These studies move beyond simple likeness, aiming instead to capture the specific energy, anatomical transitions, and developmental weight of early childhood.
Material & Technical Inquiry
A core component of this series was a deep investigation into how diverse substrates and media influence the translation of the human form. I intentionally pushed the boundaries of traditional drawing by alternating between a variety of surfaces and tools:
Media:
The collection highlights a command over multiple technical approaches, including the precision of watercolor pencils, the fluid gesture of pen and ink washes, and the rich depth of Sumi ink.
Substrates:
I utilized toned and textured papers in cream and gray to explore mid-tone values, and explore the forms created by both shadow and highlight and pull form out of shadow.
The Anatomy of Childhood:
These works serve as a record of both artistic and physical growth. By documenting the lengthening of limbs, the softening of profiles, and the intense concentration of a child at play, I developed a mastery of anatomical form in motion. Whether rendered on textured paper or through a high-contrast ink wash, each study is an exercise in seeing—capturing the essence of a subject that is constantly in flux.