This unfinished trois crayons technique drawing by André Romijn captures an emotional depth and expressive intensity that is quite striking. The artist has employed the classical technique of using only three colors—red, black, and white—on a toned paper, which brings a sense of harmony and timelessness to the composition.
The central figure, a young woman, is rendered with a focus on her facial expression and the positioning of her hand, which suggests an introspective or perhaps slightly anxious mood. The meticulous detailing of her eyes, with soft shadows and precise highlights, brings a sense of realism and emotional weight to the portrait. Her parted lips and the soft contour of her hand add a layer of vulnerability and intimacy to the overall composition.
The contrast between the warm background tone and the cool whites used for her skin is particularly effective, drawing the viewer’s attention to the face and hand, while the loose hair suggests movement and spontaneity. The unfinished parts of the hair create a dynamic sense of incompletion, almost as if the piece is still alive and evolving.
The subtle use of red around her lips and on the faint blush of her skin, paired with the grayish tones, brings a lifelike warmth to her features. Meanwhile, the delicate handling of shadows around the nose, eyes, and fingers is remarkable, hinting at Romijn’s strong grasp of form and volume.
Even though the drawing is not finished, the tension between light and shadow already speaks volumes about the artist’s intent to capture more than just a likeness; Romijn seems to be delving into the emotional and psychological aspects of the subject. The result, even at this stage, is a compelling portrait that draws the viewer in, leaving them curious to see how the final composition will unfold
