Original artwork description:

Upward Glance captures a fleeting, contemplative moment through the striking portrayal of a young woman gazing skyward. This monochromatic portrait, rendered in charcoal or soft graphite, emphasizes emotion through light, shadow, and expression. Her slightly parted lips, wide eyes, and tousled hair suggest a sense of wonder, introspection, or even anticipation — as if she’s caught in the middle of a silent revelation.

The upward angle of her face, combined with the soft gradients and blurred edges, directs the viewer’s focus toward her eyes, inviting us to share in her curiosity. Her dark clothing and the minimal background lend a stark contrast, giving the portrait a timeless and cinematic feel.

This piece balances realism and artistic abstraction with great subtlety. It speaks not only of beauty but of thought, imagination, and the inward world of the subject — themes that resonate deeply in modern portraiture.

Upward Glance is ideal for lovers of expressive, character-driven art. It works beautifully in minimalist interiors, creative workspaces, or any space that values emotional nuance and visual quiet.

Materials used:

charcoal on paper

Tags:
#portrait #shadow #dark #light #monochrome #emotion #eyes #curiosity #revelation #blurry 

upward glance (2025) Charcoal drawing
by Denny Stoekenbroek

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Original artwork description
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Upward Glance captures a fleeting, contemplative moment through the striking portrayal of a young woman gazing skyward. This monochromatic portrait, rendered in charcoal or soft graphite, emphasizes emotion through light, shadow, and expression. Her slightly parted lips, wide eyes, and tousled hair suggest a sense of wonder, introspection, or even anticipation — as if she’s caught in the middle of a silent revelation.

The upward angle of her face, combined with the soft gradients and blurred edges, directs the viewer’s focus toward her eyes, inviting us to share in her curiosity. Her dark clothing and the minimal background lend a stark contrast, giving the portrait a timeless and cinematic feel.

This piece balances realism and artistic abstraction with great subtlety. It speaks not only of beauty but of thought, imagination, and the inward world of the subject — themes that resonate deeply in modern portraiture.

Upward Glance is ideal for lovers of expressive, character-driven art. It works beautifully in minimalist interiors, creative workspaces, or any space that values emotional nuance and visual quiet.

Materials used:

charcoal on paper

Tags:
#portrait #shadow #dark #light #monochrome #emotion #eyes #curiosity #revelation #blurry 
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Denny Stoekenbroek

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Location Netherlands

About
The Dutch artist Denny Stoekenbroek is first and foremost a portrait artist. Beginning with painting about ten years ago, he definitively confirmed his desire to create with drawings. With charcoals,... Read more

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