#30079 Ignacio Diaz Olano

The drawing presents a portrait study of a woman rendered in pastel on what appears to be toned paper. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame and faces forward, engaging the viewer with direct eye contact. Her expression suggests a quiet composure; a subtle smile plays on her lips, hinting at an underlying warmth or amusement.
The artist has employed a loose, expressive technique, evident in the visible strokes of pastel that define form and texture. The hair is depicted as dark and somewhat unruly, falling loosely around her face and shoulders. A sense of volume is achieved through variations in tone; darker shades are used to model the shadows beneath her chin and along the sides of her nose, while lighter tones highlight the planes of her cheeks and forehead.
The clothing consists of a dark jacket or coat over what appears to be a delicate, lace-trimmed blouse. The details of the fabric are suggested rather than meticulously rendered, contributing to the overall impression of spontaneity and immediacy. A muted background provides minimal context, allowing the focus to remain firmly on the subjects face and expression.
The artist’s signature, “Diaz,” is visible in the lower right corner, executed in a simple, understated script. The drawing conveys an intimacy characteristic of portrait studies – a fleeting moment captured with sensitivity and skill. It suggests not merely a likeness but also an attempt to convey something of the sitters character or inner life. The lack of elaborate detail and the somewhat unfinished quality of the work imply that it may be a preparatory sketch for a larger, more formal portrait.