Woman in a Red Kimono – 02-07-21, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper, 2021

Corné Akkers  

Woman in Red Kimono This drawing of a woman in a red kimono is based on a session with my usual model. It happened that I collaborated with a student who rents a charming studio in The Hague. Much larger than my own studio, it was perfect for model sketches, also thanks to the pretty sofa she has. Another student could bring a magnificent red kimono to the session. As I was busy doing my short series Geesje Kwak, this came as an excellent opportunity. It is time to take a small step aside and do this while Geesje is still on my canvas. A new love for realism Perhaps it is an understatement to say that I do not have a particular love for realism. However, there are reasons to move away from it. I already had a cubist work in progress and frankly I was eager to study the textures and folds of the satin. Another reason was that the model and the textiles around her seemed to merge with each other tonally. Abstraction would not have been beneficial for them all. Furthermore, I was attracted by the subtle changes in tone of all this, almost integrating the model into the negative space perfectly. Framing the Motif The lower part of the composition showed a lot of dark plains, due to the satin becoming dark there. The background in the upper part was a bit too light, so I decided to darken it. This way, the model and the fabrics are framed in the center of the representation. This position came early during the session and I think her face was still in a joyful anticipation of the pose we would choose. Sometimes, these unposed relaxed expressions are the best. Finally, back to my oil painting for the rest of July. Graphite drawing (Sakura 0.5 mm, 4B) on Bristol Talens paper (21 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm – A4 format) Artist: Cornè Akkers :: Drawing :: Realism :: This piece is accompanied by an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: To hang : No :: Signed : Yes :: Signature location : bottom right :: Paper : Landscape :: Original : Yes :: Framed : No