Artist Sherif Hakeem’s meticulously detailed black and white charcoal animal drawings are deeply intimate portraits of the natural world. See more of his work by visiting his website.
“Hanuman Langur” White Charcoal, 24” x 18”
I started drawing at a very young age. I found I had an affinity for it and that it actually came quite easy to me. I began by drawing little cartoons and simple characters with simple outlines in freehand. My proportions and detail for what I was drawing was identical to the reference.
“Chimp 1” White Charcoal, 24“ x 18”
As I got older, I graduated to drawing more difficult subjects with more detail. I found that my eye/hand coordination had become more sophisticated and I was able to capture more realistic detail in my drawings. I felt this naturally was my niche.
“Chimp 2” White Charcoal, 18” x 24”
My artwork consists of drawing photorealistic and hyperrealistic subjects with somber emotions that are accentuated through stark contrast between light and dark. I feel these subjects convey deep emotion, enabling the viewer to relate to the subject, whether it be human or animal.
“Chimp 3″ White Charcoal, 18″ x 24”
My inspiration for my art comes from subjects who have or had a difficult way of life, including people who have the misfortune of being homeless and animals that are abused.
“That’s Tasty” Progress Photo
I define these emotions by rendering them in high contrast of light and dark to further accentuate the depth of emotion. My inspiration for my use of light comes from Renaissance artists such as Caravaggio and Masaccio. I’ve taken my cue from these artists because of how they render their subjects in such a deep and emotional way simply through the use of contrast of light and dark.
“That’s Tasty” Progress Photo
Many would believe I use special techniques and countless tools to create my highly detailed portraits, but in truth, I do not. To create such highly realistic portraits, the first and most important step I take is to start with a perfect sketch.
“Owl Monkey 2” White Charcoal, 18” x 24”
Once my sketch is rendered perfectly, my next step is to pay extremely time-consuming and meticulous attention to detail. I use values and gradation of values to make sure that it is as close to the reference photo as possible in an effort to stay true to the definition of hyperrealism or photorealism.
“Owl Monkey 1” White Charcoal, 24” x 18”
My purpose behind my art is to garner as much attention as possible to a campaign titled, “Fine Art for Awareness.” This is a campaign to promote awareness of endangered wildlife and abused animals that need saving through my fine art portraits.
“Gorilla” White Charcoal, 18” x 24”
My goal is to raise as much support as possible by selling my artwork while a minimum of 20% is being donated to sanctuaries and conservation organizations that advocate for endangered wildlife and abused animals. Supporters will own a beautiful piece of artwork while helping raise awareness for a very deserving cause.
“Baby Gorilla 1” White Charcoal, 18” x 24”
By becoming a featured artist on Artsy Shark, I believe this is a first major step in reaching many around the world to help those who cannot speak for themselves by owning a beautiful piece of artwork. I hope my hard work can bring endangered and abused animals to the forefront. Thank you for your support.
Artist Sherif Hakeem invites you to follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Fine Art America.
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