It’s pretty interesting to think this charcoal rendering by Picasso was only done 102 years ago. What a gorgeously modern and anachronistic depiction of a standing female nude. Plus, seeing some of the flyaway squiggles around the edges of his drawing give the work a very human quality while still exuding modernity. As an artist it’s nice to see that hand drawn quality from such a master.

Pablo Picasso. Standing Female Nude, 1910. Charcoal on paper. 19 x 12 3/8 in. (48.3 x 31.4 cm).
Alfred Stieglitz Collection, 1949. (49.70.34). The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
© 2010 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Self Portrait in Flames by Ben Hughes. Life Drawing final project, conte and pastel on hand-burned archival paper, 22” x 30”

On a personal note, I really don’t care for the way the facial area came out but I guess I can live with it… That’s the one thing I wish I could change. Also, I’m really glad I decided to actually burn the paper edges. Although it was a last-minute idea, the effect turned out wonderful! :)

Three day life drawing. Black and white conté on grey paper. Pretty satisfied with it overall, even if it’s unfinished.

By Ben Hughes