Beaded Crown

Artist's Note

This portrait explores texture, rhythm and character entirely through the fine stroke of a classic blue ballpoint pen. I wanted to set the delicate, feathered cross-hatching on the skin and facial planes against the dense, solid shading of the denim straps and braided hair. The real focus is in the beadwork lining each braid, where I carved out the geometric patterns and gave each little wooden and clay bead its own weight, gloss and movement.