Arthur Symons

About this work

This sketch shows a side profile of a man with a beard and short hair, looking slightly upward. The lines are loose and quick, with a few darker strokes on his cheek and neck. His right arm rests on what looks like a chair or table, but it’s just a few faint lines—no details. The drawing uses light pencil strokes, with some areas left blank to show shadows. The artist didn’t worry about perfect lines, which makes it feel more like a quick study than a finished portrait. If you like this style, check out cross-hatching for another way artists use lines to build form.