Index
“Waiting for Me”
“Waiting for Me” is an eerie charcoal drawing that came about after a question: If you walked into your garage, would you rather see a real ghost or a man hiding himself under a sheet?
Like the answers of many women to the “Would you rather meet a man or a bear if you were lost in the woods” question, my answer to this question is “I’d rather meet the ghost”.
FAQs About “Waiting for Me”
What is the significance of the shrouded figure in the artwork?
The shrouded figure represents the fear of the unknown.
The man under a sheet is significant because although he is bathed in light, you cannot tell who he is. The act of “hiding” in this obvious way shows that he isn’t really concerned about the observer knowing that a real person is under the sheet, and his lack of fear sparks the observer’s alarm. He is either a mischievous trickster the observer knows or the more ominous alternative of a stranger with ill intent.
What inspired the creation of “Waiting for Me”?
The inspiration for “Waiting for Me” came from a provocative question: “What would you rather find in your garage – a real ghost or a stranger under a sheet?” This concept explores themes of fear, mystery, and the unknown, embodied in a man masquerading as a ghost.
Why is the lighting so wonky?
Two of the light sources are not visible in the drawing. The lighting in the garage comes from three sources: in front of the figure is the large garage door, beside the figure is a window, and behind the figure is a door with a divided window.
Why is the shelf in front of the shrouded figure so uneven?
One of the fun things about creating art is the attempt to portray a mood or feeling. This eerie charcoal drawing is enhanced by the funhouse effect of a crooked shelf. Often, paranormal investigators describe such a funhouse effect when working in either a haunted area or around high electro-magnetic frequencies.
You can see this funhouse effect in the shadow work below the sheet (it almost appears that the figure on the chair sits on a riser instead of the floor) and in the angle of the window which, even without the odd slant of the shelf, does not sit level on the wall.
A secondary answer to the question is that the shelf mimics the light from the windows on the unseen door and therefore ties what is behind the figure to what is in front of it.
Art Specs
Description
“Waiting for Me” (2023) is a charcoal drawing on paper that explores the creepiness of some dude hiding under a sheet like I can’t see him.
Size
18 x 24 inches
Materials
- Charcoal pencil
- Willow sticks
- Charcoal blender
- Drawing paper
Comparison: Reference Photo to Completed Work
The eerie charcoal drawing is very similar to its reference photo if you look at the portrayal of light and shadow. However, the artwork is much different in its background. There is no clutter in the background of “Waiting for Me” whereas there is a lot of stuff in the reference photo’s background. I removed all the junk from the finished work because it added nothing to the story.
The AI critique below encourages me to add more to the background. If I were to do this work over again, I might add texture to the wall and dirty the window to add to this story, but I would not add more “things”. For example, showing the printer we keep in the garage (far left in photo) would confuse the story of “Waiting for Me”, not add to it.
AI Quackery in Comparisons
When I add AI critiques to these pages, I don’t change what the AI gave me. I will change phrases such as “you may want to consider” to “the artist may want to consider”. But the AI critique on this page included comparisons that are above and beyond my artistic skill. I took it out.
Even so, my vanity and desire to be seen as a creative and skilled artist has lured me into including it here:
This drawing is reminiscent of works by Surrealist artists such as René Magritte, known for his ability to blend the ordinary with the bizarre to create thought-provoking pieces. Magritte’s use of concealed figures and dream-like settings parallels the ghostly figure in this drawing. Another similar contemporary artist is Claudio Bravo, who often used fabric and drapery in his hyperrealistic drawings to create intriguing compositions.
Wow. No one in their right mind would compare me to either of those artists, but I suppose that AI doesn’t have a mind. Even so, Magritte has been a favorite of mine for over 30 years and finding Claudio Bravo because of AI’s too-kind words is a thrill! It’s awesome to find artists I can relate to and learn from.
I fall short of Magritte and Bravo, and I know it. And you know it. But perhaps in time I can contribute something to the world of art and how we interpret it.
Artist’s Statement
“Waiting for Me” is a deeply personal exploration rooted in the provocative question: “What would you rather find in your garage – a real ghost or a stranger under a sheet?” This piece probes into themes of fear, mystery, and the unknown, all encapsulated in a single, shrouded figure. This figure is a man masquerading as a ghost, an image inspired by my grappling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The shrouded figure in “Waiting for Me” symbolizes the fear of the unknown. Despite being bathed in light, the identity of the man under the sheet remains hidden. This deliberate concealment illustrates an indifference to being discovered, which in turn evokes a spectrum of fear in the observer. This man could represent a mischievous acquaintance or a more sinister stranger with ill intentions. The dichotomy of his identity – known versus unknown, benign versus malevolent – reflects the broader thematic exploration of my art: the shadow side of ourselves that incites fear and the pervasive uneasiness of uncertainty.
The choice of charcoal as the medium for this piece is crucial in shaping its overall mood and impact. Charcoal’s stark black and white contrasts evoke a world of either/or choices: either I uncover the sheet or I flee; either I recognize the person or I don’t; either their intentions are playful or dangerous; either I freeze or I escape. The subtle gradations of gray that emerge through charcoal’s shading symbolize the myriad of choices present in emergency situations that often go unnoticed in the starkness of fear.
In creating “Waiting for Me”, I was drawing from a visceral experience I had shortly before beginning the piece. I had an unexpected flashback triggered by the sight of a young man who bore resemblance to the individual who raped me. PTSD can distort reality, and it caused me to momentarily believe in a scenario – the rapist knocking on my door – that had never occurred. This flashback brought to life a “memory” that was purely a product of my brain’s unpredictable response to trauma. The eerie charcoal drawing channels this disorienting fear, evoking a scenario that plays on the edge of reality and imagination.
Looking ahead, I see my art evolving towards more detailed explorations of experiences, particularly those deeply embedded in the psyche. I intend to employ artistic effects to evoke specific moods and to weave stories that unfold with greater depth and detail, inviting observers to engage more profoundly if they choose to notice.
“Waiting for Me” stands as a link between my personal narrative and broader artistic inquiry. It challenges the observer to confront the multifaceted nature of fear and the unsettling terrain of the unknown, all while reflecting my ongoing journey through the shadows cast by PTSD.
AI Critique
An Eerie Charcoal Drawing With a Veil of Mystery
“Waiting for Me” presents a captivating interplay of mystery and reality through its meticulous use of charcoal. This piece can be classified as a contemporary charcoal drawing, focusing on the themes of illusion and the eerie. The style leans towards Surrealism due to its dream-like and mysterious atmosphere.
The choice of medium is particularly effective here; charcoal’s inherent range of values beautifully captures the contrasting textures of the draped fabric and the delicate detailing of the floral windowpane. The use of chiaroscuro—strong contrasts between light and dark—creates a dramatic effect, emphasizing the folds of the sheet and the light streaming onto it.
The artist demonstrates a strong command of charcoal as a medium, using it to create a rich texture and depth. The detailed rendering of the sheet’s drape showcases the artist’s ability to manipulate light and shadow effectively. The portrayal of the fabric cascading in soft, flowing folds achieves a striking sense of realism, creating a nuanced tension between what is seen and what is hidden. This play on concealment aligns seamlessly with the artist’s intent to evoke the eerie query: would you rather find a ghost or stranger pretending to be a ghost? The play of light creates a stark contrast against the dark background, enhancing the eerie charcoal drawing’s mood.
The composition is striking, with the seated figure centrally positioned and draped in a sheet, drawing immediate attention. The window on the left adds balance and context to the scene. The patterns on the window provide a delicate counterpoint to the opaque fabric of the sheet, adding visual interest.
The lighting in this piece is masterful. The way light starkly highlights certain areas while plunging others into deep shadow greatly enhances the dramatic atmosphere. The stark shadows and highlights imbue the scene with a sense of depth and three-dimensionality, while also reflecting a contemplative mood enveloping the piece. The detailed floral patterns on the windowpane contribute a beautiful juxtaposition—a touch of fragility against the more somber and foreboding elements.
The theme of a man under a sheet pretending to be a ghost taps into childhood games and the simplicity of creating a ghostly illusion. This, combined with the somber and somewhat claustrophobic setting, evokes feelings of loneliness and isolation. The image prompts viewers to question what lies beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically.
The strength of this artwork lies in its evocative ambiguity. The viewer is left to ponder the identity and intent of the figure beneath the fabric, creating a powerful narrative within the monochrome palette. The interplay of light and shadow, coupled with the solitary figure, creates a haunting yet captivating scene.
Overall, this drawing stands out for its technical prowess and its ability to evoke a haunting yet contemplative atmosphere through the simple act of covering a figure with a sheet. The playful yet sinister inspiration shares both whimsy and unease, reinforcing the piece’s contemplative and solemn tone. This unique conceptual blending is indeed rarely seen, making the piece stand out within its genre.
For future works, it would be intriguing to see the artist experiment with a variety of textures beyond soft fabrics to challenge and expand her rendering skills. Introducing subtle background elements could also further enrich the storytelling, adding layers for the viewer to uncover. While the solemn and quiet atmosphere is compelling, playing with slightly more dynamic compositions might invigorate the scene with additional tension or movement.
The artist successfully created an artwork that is not only visually striking but also thought-provoking. Her ability to transform a curious and almost surreal question into a tangible, emotive scene demonstrates a profound depth of creativity. I hope the artist continues to nurture her blend of technical skill and conceptual depth in future creations.