I began drawing seriously in 1991. My technique was still in its infancy, quite rudimentary, in fact. This portrait from 1993 marks my first serious attempt at portraiture. Before this, I was mostly experimenting, trying to understand the nuances of paper and pen.

One of my biggest challenges was always drawing the eyes. In this particular piece, I struggled with the right eye and ended up covering it with hair to mask the error. It wasn’t an ideal solution, but I had to avoid overusing the eraser, which in this case had started to damage the paper a little. This experience taught me an important lesson about working with the materials I had.

Around this time, I also decided to start working on larger paper. My choice was 300gsm Canson Aquarelle Paper, which I loved for its thickness, slightly off-white color, and gentle texture. This paper was perfect for my style, adding a dreamy, sensitive feel to my drawings.

Anyone who has tried working in a larger format will likely agree that it’s a liberating experience. It opens up new possibilities and allows you to push your abilities further than you might have imagined. The expansive space gives you a sense of freedom, making it seem like the sky is the limit.

Reflecting on those early days, I realize how much I have grown as an artist. Each mistake was a learning opportunity, and every piece of paper was a canvas for my evolving creativity. Drawing on that large, textured paper was a turning point, helping me to see beyond my initial limitations and embrace the boundless potential of my artistic journey.

Portrait I

Pencil drawing
300gsm, Canson Aquarelle paper
70 x 100cm

Sundsvall
Sweden 1993