I know quite a few people have drawn this portrait. That's one of the reasons it took me so long to actually draw this one. I'm the last person who likes to do things that 'have been done' around here. It makes me feel like a poser. It makes me nervous, because it gives people a reason to compare me to other artists... and I really hate being compared to anyone. Ever.

It's been nearly a year since I told myself I'd draw this. That's a long time to sit on something. But there's another reason that it took me so long to finally swallow my pride and go for it... other than the potential comparisons to other artists. This portrait is, in all honesty, my all-time favorite portrait, not just on dA... but that I've ever seen.

I remember when I first saw this piece by *BellZ I was in complete awe. I don't know what it was, but I just sat there staring at this photo... staring for days. I'd open up the file and just stare, like some psychopath. I noted *BellZ to ask permission to reproduce this piece as a drawing. Hell, Bellz, you probably don't even remember, but I still have the note where you told me you'd be honored. Honored.

And then it took me nearly an entire year to get the nerve to sit down and actually draw this. For one, this piece is technically difficult. For another, everyone on dA knows what *BellZ looks like... likeness had to be spot on or it would look ridiculous. And third... perhaps the thing that kept me at bay for so long, was the thought of screwing up what I consider to be perfection. Everything about the piece was perfect, even the title... which is why I didn't bother to change it.

This is my first piece where I haven't attempted to interpret the piece in my own way. This is dedicated to the original work in all its glory. In its composition. In its titling. To its original maker. There is nothing more beautiful than this--and when I say 'this', I mean the original.

Thank you for the inspiration.
And thank you all for your kindness and support.


Charcoal on 90lb paper.
16" x 20"
Minor curve adjustments in PS.
Ref. Model: *BellZ
Original Piece: [link]



Original Not For Sale: Private Collection