In the 90s, I sketched this image of Marilyn on a piece of scrap foam core. It was leaning against a wall in my office of my first ad agency. World-renowned artist, Ann James Massey shared the same office building with me. She noticed the piece, paying it a high compliment and didn't believe me when I told her I was the artist. When I showed Ann, my signature hidden in the shading, she told me it needed to be framed. I had it framed the same day. Enjoy!
Marilyn Monroe 12" x 16"
This pencil drawing of Marilyn Monroe is subtle yet effective, capturing her essence and iconic features with a minimalist approach.
Focus on Expression: The drawing highlights Marilyn's radiant smile and closed eyes, which convey her joyful and carefree demeanor. The simplicity of the composition draws attention to her iconic expression.
Use of Light and Shadow: The soft shading creates a gentle interplay of light and shadow, adding dimension and depth to the features without overwhelming the composition. The delicate transitions in tone give the drawing an ethereal quality, aligning with Marilyn’s timeless allure.
Minimalist Approach: The decision to leave parts of the drawing incomplete or softly sketched contributes to a dreamy and impressionistic effect. This approach invites the viewer to focus on her facial expression rather than overloading the composition with detail.
Composition: The use of negative space enhances the minimalist feel, allowing the subject to "breathe" on the page and emphasizing Marilyn’s smile as the focal point. The slightly faded features add to the sense of lightness and femininity.
Interpretation: By focusing on Marilyn’s smile and capturing her with minimal detail, the drawing portrays her as a symbol of beauty and charm. It moves beyond realism to evoke emotion and nostalgia for her legacy.
This drawing beautifully captures the spirit of Marilyn Monroe with grace and simplicity. It leans toward impressionism, allowing viewers to engage with the piece emotionally rather than analytically. It’s a thoughtful and elegant portrayal of an iconic figure.