Artwork Details
Title: Olivia’s Dream
Medium: Mixed Media (Charcoal, Acrylic, Clear Gesso on Sketch Paper)
Artist: Audie G
Color Palette
Approximate tones and pigment equivalents:
Warm Blush & Petal Pink – Soft portrait pinks and rose tints in the floral sections
Antique Rose & Coral – Hints of alizarin crimson blended with blush and white
Burnt Umber & Sepia – Deep brown and warm charcoal tones for structure and contour
Ivory & Cream Highlights – White charcoal or chalk pastel accents for light reflection
Soft Sage & Moss Green – Subtle sap and olive hues for background depth
Neutral Taupe Ground – Buff titanium or raw umber wash providing vintage warmth
Materials & Supplies Used
Surface: High-quality sketch paper
Drawing Mediums:
Vine and compressed charcoal sticks
Charcoal pencil for fine detail and contouring
White charcoal pencil for subtle highlights
Acrylic Accents:
Applied only in floral and background areas
Colors include blush pink, alizarin rose, sap green, and white
Fixative Layers:
Clear gesso applied after the charcoal sketch to secure the face and hair before painting surrounding elements
Tools:
Blending stumps, kneaded eraser, and soft charcoal brushes
Flat brush for acrylic blending and background texture
Finish: Light matte fixative spray to preserve and protect
Process Notes
This piece began as a charcoal portrait on sketch paper, drawn with expressive shading and linework to capture emotional depth. After the initial charcoal stage was complete, a thin layer of clear gesso was applied to stabilize the drawing. Acrylic layers were then added to the background and florals while keeping the face free of paint to preserve the natural texture and tonal delicacy of the charcoal.
A royalty-free reference photo was used as a dimensional guide only — serving to ensure accurate facial proportions and symmetry, not to replicate a direct likeness. The final work reflects an original interpretation inspired by that reference, shaped through intuitive mixed-media layering and hand-rendered detail.
