Lana Svirezheva produced this charcoal figure drawing during a life drawing session with a model named Joshua. This work is part of her ongoing commitment to drawing from life, focusing on poses that usually last between five and fifteen minutes. The process requires the artist to be highly concentrated, executing each mark with intention and precision. Since the essence of the pose is captured in real-time, any further work on the drawing after the session would risk losing the immediacy and emotional depth conveyed in the original strokes.
This particular depiction of Joshua is notable for its foreshortened pose, with the relaxed arm swung to the side, the shapely toes facing the viewer. The varied use of pressure and texture in the charcoal beautifully defines the contours of his body, with sharp lines in some areas and softer edges in others. The interplay of subtle shading and strong, decisive lines enhances the drawing’s sense of depth and form. His relaxed gesture and lean body type evoke a sense ease, his vitality, and youth.
