cr RobinWood PoP 14 LordGroghe Robin Wood

The drawing presents a portrait of a mature man with a contemplative expression. He is depicted in profile, his head turned slightly towards the viewer, creating a sense of engagement despite the reserved posture. The artist has rendered him with meticulous attention to detail; the texture of his skin, the subtle variations in tone across his face, and the careful rendering of his white hair all contribute to a realistic portrayal. A hand rests thoughtfully against his cheek, reinforcing this impression of introspection.
A fantastical element disrupts the otherwise grounded realism: a small, stylized creature resembling a frog or dragon emerges from behind the man’s head. This being is rendered in warm yellows and browns, contrasting with the cooler tones used for the mans skin and hair. Its posture suggests alertness and perhaps even mischievousness, its gaze directed towards the viewer. The placement of this figure – partially obscured yet undeniably present – introduces a layer of ambiguity to the work.
The subtext here seems to explore the interplay between the mundane and the fantastical, the rational and the imaginative. The man’s serious demeanor suggests an individual grappling with weighty thoughts or experiences, while the presence of the creature hints at a hidden world of fantasy or perhaps repressed desires. It could be interpreted as a representation of inner turmoil, a playful acknowledgement of the absurdities of life, or even a symbolic companion representing intuition or creativity.
The artist’s signature and date (1988) are inscribed in cursive script at the bottom left corner, adding to the personal and intimate feel of the drawing. The use of a textured background further enhances the sense of depth and tactility, grounding the fantastical element within a believable reality. Overall, the work invites contemplation on themes of identity, imagination, and the hidden dimensions that coexist with everyday existence.