An original charcoal portrait by Oklahoma artist and commercial illustrator Donna Foreman Hopper. The sitter faces forward with shoulder-length dark hair and a distinctive curl across her forehead. Hopper uses dense shading around the hair and neckline to draw attention to the woman’s face, then lets the lower portion of the portrait dissolve into the open paper. The paper is by Fabriano from Italy. An artist’s monogram appears near the right shoulder. This piece is dated to the mid-20th century and is one of her earliest pieces before marrying and using her married name in her signature.
Sourced from Hopper’s estate in Norman, Oklahoma. Hopper studied art at Oklahoma State University under Doel Reed and continued her education at the Kansas City Art Institute. According to the biographical information accompanying her work, she illustrated for Hallmark and later worked in advertising art for TG&Y, John A. Brown, and The Oklahoma Publishing Company. Her experience in illustration is apparent in the portrait’s clear silhouette and carefully rendered expression.
At 25.5 inches tall, this is a substantial unframed sheet. A wide ivory mat and slim ebonized frame would give it a crisp presentation; antique gilt would bring warmth to a traditional gallery wall. It would also work as a focal point above a writing desk or console.
Original drawing on paper with age-related toning, light handling wear, and small bends or creases at the edges. There is a visible notch or loss along the right edge of the sheet. Charcoal offset is visible on the reverse. Unframed;
