This piece marks an important step in my artistic journey, transitioning from copying plates in the Charles Bargue Drawing Course to working from plaster casts. In my case, I used a resin skull as my subject, a challenge that pushed me to apply what I’ve learned about form, value, and light in a more three-dimensional context.
Working with the Bargue plates taught me the fundamentals: how to observe, measure, and render with precision. Moving on to a physical object like this skull required me to take those skills further, tackling the complexities of real-world lighting and perspective. The process involved layering values and refining edges over many hours, carefully observing how light and shadow played across the surface of the skull.
As I worked, I thought about the themes this study represents: mortality, strength, and the courage to embrace life’s challenges. These ideas are beautifully captured in the words of Marcus Aurelius:
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
The quote resonated deeply with me as I worked on this piece, reminding me of the importance of taking on challenges, whether in art or life. It inspired me to keep pushing through the difficulties of capturing subtle transitions and creating a strong sense of form.
The final artwork combines a dramatic tonal range with a chaotic background, bringing the skull to life while maintaining a sense of mystery and depth. The accompanying photos show the progression of the drawing, from rough sketches to the completed piece. Each stage reflects the layering process and the attention to detail needed to create the final rendering.
For those interested, fine art giclée prints of this piece are now available. You can choose between versions with or without the Marcus Aurelius quote, making it a meaningful addition to any collection or a thoughtful gift.
This study represents more than just a technical exercise—it’s a reflection of growth, moving from structured studies to exploring the challenges of working from life. I’m excited to continue this journey, learning and growing with each new piece.
The Process
The photos below show the progression of this piece, highlighting the importance of a consistent still-life setup. Having a permanent arrangement allows you to maintain accurate lighting and perspective throughout the drawing process. For this piece, I created a simple lightbox using a cardboard box, which helped control shadows and focus the light. A single light source was key to defining the form, and I used a plumb line to ensure accurate proportions and alignment. These simple tools made a huge difference in achieving a precise and consistent result.
