Katya

Katya has modelled for my ASOC workgroup since 2022 and is also an accomplished artist. With Katya and her husband Alex moving away from the National Capital area, this was probably our last session with her as a model. I was travelling after the session, so instead of painting I concentrated on drawing. These three works were made during 40-minute poses, although I spent only about 20 minutes on each. I also made two pencil drawings which went home with Katya.

Katya wearing gloves, by Stephen Clively, conte crayon and charcoal on cartridge paper, 59.4 by 42 cm, 2026

the intern says: Katya's profile and raised black-gloved hand provide the focus of this seated study. The pale cardigan and dark skirt form broad contrasting shapes, while the blue and turquoise background brings colour into the surrounding space. The longer pose allowed the drawing to develop beyond the figure while retaining the directness of the charcoal line.

Katya holding flowers, by Stephen Clively, conte crayon and charcoal on cartridge paper, 59.4 by 42 cm, 2026

the intern says: Katya sits holding a native flower, its green and yellow forms introducing a further colour accent alongside the red chair. Blue and green Conté marks fill much of the background without disguising the drawing beneath. The combination of charcoal and coloured Conté gives the study something of the character of a drawn portrait.

Katya front on, by Stephen Clively, conte crayon and charcoal on cartridge paper, 59.4 by 42 cm, 2026

the intern says: Seen front on and wearing a broad-brimmed hat, Katya is framed by a densely worked charcoal background. The dark field makes the pale cardigan and face more prominent, while the flower held in her lap provides a small area of yellow and green. The frontal pose gives this drawing a more formal portrait-like quality.