Prove yourself as the best artist for the week

Hello amazing Steemians! 🎨

Hope you all are doing well and ok. It’s another beautiful week in the “Prove Yourself as the Best Artist This Week” contest organised by @dequeen, and I’m thrilled to share my latest pencil artwork with you all, a portrait of one of my all-time favourite characters, Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to characters who embody strength, loyalty, and quiet determination, and Jon Snow represents all of that and more. So, I decided to challenge myself with this pencil drawing to bring his presence to life on paper. Here's how I created this drawing.

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Drawing materials

• A4 paper

• HB pencil

• 6B and 4B pencils

• mechanical pencil

• graphite pencil

• eraser

• sharpener

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Step 1

To begin my drawing, I wrote my username and date at the bottom of the paper, then I started with light pencil outlines to map the facial structure. His intense gaze was the first thing I focused on, as I believe the eyes tell the story of every portrait. I carefully shaded around the eyelids and added depth with layers of graphite to give them that lifelike emotion.

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Step 2

Next, I worked on his lips and beard. His beard required a lot of patience — small, precise strokes to mimic the rough texture while still keeping it natural.

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Step 3

Focusing on the beard, I began layering strokes slowly, using HB, 2B, and 6B pencils to build the thickness and shadow. This part was both challenging and satisfying; every tiny line added more life to his rugged look.

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Step 4

At this stage, I then shaded his face and added his scar as well, making it have that realistic look.

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Step 5

After doing that, then came the hair; I lightly sketched it long, wavy, and full of character. I worked in layers, paying attention to the flow and direction of each stroke to create a realistic sense of movement. Then I added details to it.

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Step 6

Next was his coat. When I reached the fur collar of his cloak, I switched techniques completely. Here, I used short, quick lines to mimic the fluffiness and movement of the fur, blending and darkening where necessary to add depth.

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Step 7

Finally, I added the last touch to my drawing. I sharpened the lines and added more contrast where necessary and details to it as well. Then my pencil drawing is now complete.

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Here's a picture of me and my drawing. Please bear with me, as my shot was a little bit darker because it was already night.

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Art, for me, isn’t just about drawing what I see; it’s about expressing what I feel. And this portrait allowed me to pour both my skill and passion into one powerful piece. I hope my fellow Steemians can feel that same intensity and connection through this artwork. Thank you for taking the time to view my drawing. I’m proud to share this piece in this week’s “Prove Yourself as the Best Artist” contest, and I humbly present my pencil tribute to the true King in the North – John Snow.

Inviting

@us-andrew

@saintkelvin17

@urmilanath650

@rumanaafroz

@josepha

Cc @dequeen

Have a blessed day.