Because pretty much everyone knows who she is and what she looks like, the main challenge for me with this pen-and-ink drawing of Marilyn was to get an accurate representation of her.
As with the previous two posts, this drawing is also one that I created when I was in my late teens. This image is more “high-key”† than the other two, so I used a lot more dots and less cross-hatching. I find using dots gives me the control I need to get more subtle shading, as with the delicate outline of Marilyn’s arms.
The sequins were also a bit of a challenge and I found that combining cross-hatching with dots, a mishmash of various line shapes, and even some solid passages of black ink allowed me to produce the diversity of lighting effects required to simulate the textures of the dress.
Prints of this artwork, in various sizes, are now available in my online shop. ♥️
† “High-key lighting” is a lighting style that results in a brightly lit frame with soft lighting, minimal shadows, and low contrast.
