Silent Contour Study – 2026-07-16

Harsh versus Soft

This pastel pencil drawing ‘Silent Contour Study – 2026-07-16’ is a study after harsh contour delineations versus soft gradients. Now I’m unleashed after discovering Ami Sketching paper and this is already the second one in two days. Not that I have plenty of free time, doing also my quartely VAT return. Yesterday I also sold a graphite pencil drawing ‘Neo Deco – 08-10-2024’. Consequently, I had to prepare for all the paper work, packing and shipment. Next to this, I finalized yesterday’s drawing post. Even ny latest oil ‘Neo Deco | The Pulse of Color and Form – 2026-07-13’ is posted only last Monday. That includes also editing videos for each. Not to forget preparations for my upcoming exhibition at Gallery Kunsthalte 6.

Most Hard Working Man

Now you get an insight into the brain of a regular artist. Nowadays, we work harder than Van Gogh, I often joke to my students. He only had to throw three canvases on a train to Theo in an alcoholic stupor. The only thing he did more was walking for miles to and fro to his artistic motif. When it comes to my daily routines, I only have to bike 4 kilometers to my studio where I teach. The rest of my life I spend behind my desk, easel and computer. Basically from 7 AM to 12 PM. Not that I complain though. It’s the life I chose and yesterday’s unexpected sale makes it all worthwile.

Extreme Chiaroscuro Light and Dark Pockets

So, nothing but fun for the wicked. Especially when you get inspired so I don’t need a holiday (from 2004 on). Now I have got this off my chest (an assertive discharge), I’ll finally tell you about this little drawing. Again, inspired by a photo from the 1930s. Well, I suppose so because I couldn’t find the author for to give credit to. Nevertheless, beautiful enough and the extreme chiaroscuro light and dark pockets inspired me to crank them up maximally. A bit over the top really, given the thick dark contour line to the left of the body. It almost applies a kind of solarising effect to the paper. Last but not least, I kept a rough edge, not overproducing it. However, I made sure subtle soft gradients were contrasting those harsh lines.

Technical Details

Pastel pencil drawing on Ami Sketching paper (‘KBB’) – 21 x 29.7 cm

Artist: Corné Akkers

Sales info: info@corneakkers.co

Video: