The Legacy Artwork (2018-2020)

This collection of four pieces, created between 2018 and 2020, represents a significant stage in Khalid's artistic journey. Developed during a local photorealism course, the works showcase the fundamental skills he acquired in sketching and drawing.

A foundation in sketching

This collection of four pieces, created between 2018 and 2020, represents a significant stage in Khalid's artistic journey. Developed during a local photorealism course, the works showcase the fundamental skills he acquired in sketching and drawing.

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Primarily executed in graphite with accents of charcoal, these realistic portraits strive for a strong likeness.  Khalid masterfully employs a range of values (light and dark tones) to create depth and form, convincingly rendering the texture of skin, hair.

His technique primarily involves blending using fingers tips, hatching and cross-hatching—creating a network of parallel lines and overlapping them to build darker tones and suggest volume.  The density of the lines and the pressure applied vary subtly, creating gradations in tone and emphasising textural details like wrinkles in the subjects' faces.

A strong use of chiaroscuro—the dramatic interplay of light and shadow—adds depth and intensity to the portraits.  The dark, undefined backgrounds further focus the viewer's attention on the subjects. The overall effect is one of thoughtful, well-executed realism.

Initially experimenting with digital drawing, Khalid found the medium restrictive and sought alternative creative avenues. While he considered pursuing photorealism further as a portrait artist, he ultimately felt that copying existing subjects stifled his creative exploration. This experience, however, proved invaluable in building a strong foundation in freehand drawing.

This quartet forms an integral part of Khalid's evolving style, and he remains deeply grateful for the support and encouragement received from his art teacher, family and friends.  The works demonstrate a clear progression in his skills and mark a pivotal moment in his artistic development.