Solace

“Solace” presents a seated figure positioned directly opposite the viewer, with one leg folded beneath the body and the other extended to the side. A piece of dark drapery moves through the frame in mid motion, introducing a sense of energy that contrasts with the grounded posture of the figure.

The reference material for this series was captured in 4K cinema video in collaboration with a professional cinematographer. Working from high resolution footage allowed Carly to study movement across hundreds of frames and select a single split second to translate into each artwork. This process introduces natural motion into the compositions, preserving gestures that might otherwise pass unnoticed.

Although the identity of the woman is concealed, her head turns to the side, creating a subtle sense of distance from the viewer. The composition focuses strongly on light, anatomy, and tonal contrast, with the figure emerging through areas of deep shadow and illuminated form.

The title Solace refers to the idea of finding refuge within oneself during darker periods. The dark drapery can be read as a visual symbol to that experience, representing heaviness within the emotional landscape of the work. The hand lifted toward the face acts as an expressive gesture, suggesting a moment of tension and emotional strain.

Carly created this drawing using a direct charcoal technique without her usual blending. Tone and contrast are built through repeated scribbled marks across the surface, gradually constructing the form through layered lines. The rough texture produced by this method contributes to the intensity and character of the portrait.

This artwork is 145 x 146cm

Charcoal and graphite on acrylic-washed 100% cotton archival paper

This artwork is one of one.