Drawn In Black

Nani by Yury Kushevsky

Yesterday my girlfriend asked me what “Stradivarius” means; although I’d heard the word, I really didn’t know. In two clicks of a Google search later, I found the following definition on Wikipedia:

A Stradivarius is a stringed instrument built by members of the Stradivari family, particularly Antonio Stradivari. According to their reputation, the quality of their sound has defied attempts to explain or reproduce, though this belief is controversial. The name “Stradivarius” has also become a superlative applied to designate excellence. To be called “the Stradivari” of any field is to be deemed the finest there is.

What does this have to do with Yury Kushevsky?  Well, I would venture to say that his work will be “the Stradivari” of drawings, if it isn’t already.  Yury is currently a student at the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in the Mytischi district of Moscow, and apparently they’re feeding their students the right food.

Nani is a superb example of Yury’s skill.  Although just a “simple” portrait, it somehow speaks volumes to me.  Is that a tear running down her cheek? Nani looks like a woman who’s had her share of burden in life.

Although Yury unfortunately doesn’t have his own portfolio, you can find quite a bit of his work at ArtNow, a Russian art gallery site, as well as over on NoBullArt.  I for one am interested to see what this great Russian artist produces in the future.

Tags: feminine, melancholy, realistic, sad

Joan by Anna Shipstone

Anna Shipstone hails from the small seaside town of Cromer, Norfolk, UK, where she lives with her pet dog and family.  On her website you can find some of the truly gorgeous sample work of this pencil portraiture artist – in particular I enjoy her children portraits and the one pictured above.  Joan seems to be almost three dimensional and pops out of the page.  While you’re there, also check out her abstract color work – trippy!

Tags: old, realistic, wrinkly

Amazingly, I couldn’t find any other site about or by Antonia Franck, who’s drawing above I stumbled upon on the Portrait Society of America site (definitely worth checking out). I love this drawing, you are practically on the couch reading the book right alongside the lovely young lady portrayed (reminiscent somewhat of Kate Winslet) and can sense that it’s a perfect day to be doing just that.

Tags: comfortable, cozy, lovely, realistic

Decomposition of Memory by Colin Harbut

Colin Harbut is definitely one talented artist.  In his many portraitures, I feel that the essence of the subject is really conveyed and comes across in his works.  The above “Decomposition of Memory” is fascinating and tackles a topic unfortunately taboo in our society: old age.  He’s also made a statement with his work “24,000″ in which he literally drew 24,000 circles to visualize the number of people who die each day of hunger-related issues.

You can find much more his work on his website, ColinHarbut.com.

3 more images below the jump.

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Tags: earnest, realistic, reflective, somber

Hare’s by Andrea Joseph

You can tell by her drawings that Andrea is a keen observer of the world around her.  On her many “collages” and moleskin sketches she somehow brings to life the little objects that fill our lives.  Once you really take a moment to study these drawings (she provides large versions of her drawings on her website) you realize just how time-consuming these must be.  I imagine creating these works must be a sort of meditation, but that’s just speculation on my part.  Certainly worth a closer look, especially if you’re a fan of moleskin sketches.  You can check her out over at Andrea Joseph’s Sketchblog, which she regulary updates.

3 images more after the jump.

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Tags: collage, detailed, happy, realistic, safe

Los Angeles, Self Portrait Sketch by Shawn Barber

If you like tattoo art, you’ll love Shawn Barber.  As his website states: “Shawn Barber’s body of work focuses primarily on painting, portraiture and documenting contemporary tattoo culture.”  Barber’s many paintings focus on artists, specifically artists with tattoos.  He goes around the world to meet and document them, an experience which he later turns into the painting.  If you’re looking to get a tattoo, you might find some inspiration here!  Also don’t forget to check out “Studio Visit: Shawn Barber and Henry Lewis” over at Fecal Face.

More below the jump.

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Tags: gangster, realistic, Tattoo

If you’re into realistic drawings, you’ll get your share of eye candy from Andy Buck.  I like this one in particular because there’s just noone quite like Dizzee Rascal and his whacktastic beats.  Check out Andy’s page on deviantART, plus a few more below the fold.

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Tags: deep, personal, realistic

Here are 7 tutorials I’ve found on the net, some better than others. If you know if any other good ones, please share in the comments!

“Figure Drawing for All It’s Worth” by Andrew Loomis (PDF, 24MB)

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Tags: analytical, proportionate, realistic

Figurative artist Richard T. Scott is an artist from Georgia and currently works for Jeff Koons as a studio painter. He studied painting at the University of Georgia and received his Masters of Fine Painting at the New York Academy of Art.

Tags: depressed, realistic, thoughtful

When I happened upon the website of John S. Gibb, it literally took my breath away. The degree of realism in these pencil drawings is mind-blowing. From the site:

John S. Gibb is a leading pencil artist whose work is to be found in collections throughout the world, particularly in the USA where he has been honoured with numerous top awards at prestigious Arts Festivals.

He was born in England’s beautiful Lake District, which is where he now lives, spending five or six hours each day on the finely detailed drawings for which he is famous.

Tags: natural, realistic, tranquil