Meet Legare

“Everyone should have a “Hank” in their life.” This is what Legare said about her husband. He called me to ask about the possibility of a charcoal drawing of his wife. Hank mentioned how beautiful she is and that he would love to have a portrait of her. We talked and I set a time and place to meet Legare. We had a delightful lunch getting to know each other, which is the foundation of any good portrait. 

Next we arranged a time for a photo shoot. Our first attempt at getting a good reference photo was not successful. I know what I’m looking for: good light, an expression that is natural for the sitter and shows their personality. Also, I need enough information in the pose to get excited about starting the portrait journey. 

It took two photo shoots. At the second photo shoot the light was right for the perfect reference photo. Next came the real challenge. I had the pose I wanted and now it was time to draw. Charcoal is erasable, sensitive to the touch, it is as dark or as light as you want it to be and foremost, it is forgiving. I work very slowly and walk back and forth squinting my eyes to see values and shapes better. I let a drawing breathe for a few days while I study it to see what needs to be restated. In the time it takes to draw a portrait I am continuously developing a relationship with the model.

Knowing when the art is finished is a struggle for all artists. I try to remember the words of Paul Gaugin, who said. “Do not finish your work too much.” When I come to the end of my drawing, I feel art and reality have come together. At that moment, a gift is given.