Charcoal Gallery

Explore evocative charcoal drawings capturing the human experience's essence.

"Help"

A powerful charcoal drawing that profoundly expresses the universal human need for support in times of mental distress. It symbolizes both the desperate act of reaching out for assistance during personal struggle and the strength found in extending a hand to others who may also be suffering. It's expressing, high-contrast style invites deep personal reflection on vulnerability and the vital of connection when facing internal battles.

"Self Destruction"

A raw and unflinching charcoal drawing that powerfully confronts the reality of unhealthy coping mechanisms driven by mental distress. This piece captures the agonizing internal struggle and conscious engagement in self-damaging behaviors, serving as a poignant visual testament to the pain of inner turmoil. Its stark, high-contrast style amplifies the intensity of this difficult and honest self exploration.

"Empty"

A powerful charcoal drawing that profoundly captures the chilling experience of emotional hollowness and the unsettling void often felt during a depressive episode. The figure's direct yet vacant gaze, devoid of discernible emotion, vividly conveys a striking absence of feeling, illustrating a state where the world is present but the inner landscape is barren. This stark, high-contrast piece offers a unique and honest portrayal of the profound emotional numbness that can accompany depression.

"Shame"

A powerful charcoal drawing that profoundly expresses the isolating burden and deep self-consciousness often felt when living with mental illness. The figure, with hands obscuring the face, vividly conveys the desperate desire to hide or disappear from the perceived judgement and internal anguish associated with one's mental state. This stark, high-contrast piece amplifies the isolation and internal turmoil of feeling ashamed of a mental health condition.

"Contrition's Grip"

A raw and powerful charcoal drawing that visualizes the devastating aftermath of mental illness and the terrifying realization of its destruction. The figure, with hands pressed to a desperate face and wide, fearful eyes, captures the agonizing moment of confronting the unraveling of one's life, coupled with the fear of facing the wreckage. This stark, high-contrast piece embodies the suffocating hold of remorse and the terror of facing the harsh consequences of mental illness.

"Emerging"

A powerful charcoal drawing depicting a Navy SEAL emerging dramatically from dark water, ready to enter the fight. This piece symbolizes unwavering readiness, formidable strength, and the decisive transition from hidden depths to decisive action. The high-contrast black and white style amplifies the drama of this emergence, creating a commanding and evocative visual narrative of preparedness and resolve.

"Fury"

A raw and explosive charcoal drawing that powerfully conveys the intense anger and frustration often experienced when battling mental illness. The figure's contorted features and open mouth vividly express the visceral rage felt towards the very feelings that lead to and perpetuate depressing, a desperate rebellion against helplessness. This stark, high-contrast piece amplifies the raw energy of confronting such overwhelming internal struggles.

"Retreating Into the Shadow"

A powerful charcoal drawing that vividly portrays the insidious onset and deepening progression of mental illness,, such as depression. The stark figure, increasingly obscured and dissolving in the profound blackness, masterfully conveys the overwhelming sense of withdrawing from the world and slipping deeper into the encompassing darkness that defines a depressive state. This high-contrast piece serves as a raw and honest visual echo of the soul's quiet descent.

"Death"

A stark charcoal drawing that unflinchingly portrays a skull emerging from deep shadows Rendered in my signature high-contrast, hard line style, this piece serves as a potent visual reminder of the tragic reality that for some, the relentless battle against mental illness ultimately culminates in death. It is a sober acknowledgement of the ultimate cost of unseen struggles.

"Utter Despair"

A profound charcoal drawing that powerfully conveys the crushing weight of mental illness and the devastating loss it can inflict. The figure embodies the complete surrender to a profound sense of hopelessness and the overwhelming consequences of the illness. This stark, high-contrast piece serves as a raw and honest portrayal of hitting rock bottom, consumed by the sheer magnitude of what has been lost.

"Broken"

A powerful charcoal drawing that portrays a figure slumped on the ground with head down, arms wrapped around the legs. This posture immediately conveys a profound sense of vulnerability, isolation, and emotional pain. The high contrast of black and white amplifies the feeling of being overwhelmed and captures the raw honesty of inner struggle. It is a poignant depiction of a spirit feeling damaged or burdened.

"Apathetic"

A powerful charcoal drawing that captures a profound sense of emotional detachment and stillness, visually articulating a state of truly not caring about anything. The figure's direct gaze appears utterly vacant, looking straight ahead without engagement, amplifying this feeling of disinterest and profound indifference. This stark black and white piece effectively conveys a deep lack of care for the situation presented.

"Ascension"

A powerful charcoal drawing that visually chronicles the profound journey from the depths of mental illness to the emergence of feeling normal again. The figure's progressing from downward to upward gaze powerfully convey a sense of rising, representing the transition from darkness into renewed light, and the acquisition of new coping skills. This stark, high-contrast piece serves as a visual testament to resilience, growth, and the hope found in healing and regaining one's sense of self.

"Vociferate"

A powerful charcoal drawing that dynamically traces the progression of emotion from calm to furious. It features a sequence of faces, each escalating in intensity, with widening mouths and strained features that perfectly convey the raw power of emotion being unleashed. This high=contrast piece tells a compelling visual story of emotional release, showcasing the dramatic shifts from stillness to fury.

"Melissa"

Portrait

"Running to War"

A powerful charcoal drawing that captures a Delta Force operator in a moment of intense motion and unwavering resolve. This piece vividly portrays the readiness and courage required to charge directly in the fray, embodying a decisive transition into action. The high-contrast black and white style amplifies the drama and the powerful sense of impending conflict.

"Phases"

A compelling charcoal drawing that captures the cyclical nature of change through the shifting light and shadow across a series of self-portraits. Inspired by the moon's phases, this piece explores the continuous evolution of the self, depicting how inner states wax and wane. Rendered in stark black and white with hard line contrasts, "Phases" is a powerful meditation on transformation and the multifaced journey of human experience.

"David"

Self-Portrait

"Consumed by Smoke"

A multi-stage charcoal drawing that captures a self-portrait progressively engulfed by smoke. Using a hard line, high-contrast style, the piece depicts the gradual obscuring of the figure as light diminishes, powerfully symbolizing how one can feel overwhelmed, hidden, or even lost within and encroaching, consuming force.

"Noah"

Portrait

"Bodhi"

Portrait

Portraits and Figures

Series on "Emotions of Mental Illness

"Mania"

A powerful charcoal drawing that captures the intense, electrified energy of a manic episode. Through stark black and white and hard line contrasts, the piece renders a face alight with an unsettling grin, conveying the overwhelming and often disorienting force of this complex mental state. It's an unflinching look at the raw power and frenetic emotional landscape of mania.

"Silence"

A striking charcoal drawing that powerfully depicts the act of shushing. Rendered in stark black and white, this high-contrast piece symbolizes the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness and the painful necessity for individuals to conceal their struggles from certain people and situations. It speaks volumes about the hidden battles fought in quiet.

"Reef"

Portrait