Lana Svirezheva made this watercolor portrait painting during a life drawing session with a model called Xavier. It is part of an ongoing practice of working from life, from poses that typically last between five and fifteen minutes, requiring the utmost concentration and efficiency of mark-making from the artist. Every second counts when making these pieces, because working on them further without the model after the pose is done would tamper with the effects of decisive paint application and the in-the-moment emotional expression.
This particular study of Xavier is remarkable in its edgework, how his profile and hair create a great variety in the outline of his head as a whole. The combination of Rose Madder (pink) and Raw Umber (brown) is also an unusual but effective choice, creating warmth and depth at the same time. His closed eyes add to an atmosphere of passionate introspection.
