The Eyes Have It — The Process Behind Spirit

Wonder how it all comes together?Every portrait begins with an idea — a spark of imagery that arrives quietly and insists on being drawn. But it’s during the rendering process, when colour and depth are slowly layered in, that the real magic begins.

In Spirit, the first stage was building the soft architecture of her expression. Even in the early layers, before the details fully surface, you can see her presence emerging right before your eyes.

Where the Portrait Comes Alive

One of my favourite parts of drawing portraits is watching the facial expression take shape. There’s a moment when the eyes begin to form — just a hint of light, a gentle shadow, the first suggestion of a gaze — and suddenly the portrait feels alive.

We all know the saying, “the eyes are the window to the soul.” In my work, the eyes are more than a feature; they’re the bridge between the viewer and the artwork. I want the gaze to pull you in, to make you wonder who she is… and to feel, even for a second, as though she is wondering the same about you.

It becomes a quiet game: Who is observing whom?

As I study the portrait, she seems to look straight back at me — even in the earliest stages of creation. That exchange is what makes drawing portraits so intoxicating.

Building the Realism

Capturing that soulful gaze requires slow, patient layering. I begin with the lightest tones, establishing softness and direction, then gradually deepen the hues — mid-tones, shadows, highlights — until the realism emerges. The darkest values are added last, giving the eyes depth, weight and emotion.

This luminous buildup of colour is what brings Spirit to life. It’s not only about replicating a face, but revealing something beneath it — a quiet strength, a sense of presence, an unspoken story.

Connection Through the Gaze

That final gaze is everything. It anchors the artwork and invites the viewer into a moment of connection. When someone stops, looks closer, and feels that subtle spark of recognition or curiosity — that is the moment I hope every portrait can ignite.

Enjoy the process, enjoy the stillness, and enjoy letting her eyes meet yours.

If you’d like to see more behind-the-scenes progress from my studio or follow new works as they unfold, you’re warmly welcome to explore the collection or join my art list.

Discover the final work: Spirit

ART. EMOTION. LUMINA