An original charcoal portrait drawing on paper by Oklahoma artist and commercial illustrator Donna Foreman Hopper. The sitter turns slightly while looking outward, with softly modeled features, shoulder-length dark hair, and a pronounced sweep of curls across her forehead. Deep charcoal tones in the hair contrast with the lighter treatment of her face and neckline. Signed near the lower right of the portrait. The illustration is on Italian paper by Fabriano.
Sourced from Hopper’s estate in Norman, Oklahoma. Hopper began commercial artwork as a teenager, majored in art at Oklahoma State University, and studied under Doel Reed. She later attended the Kansas City Art Institute and worked as an illustrator at Hallmark. Back in Oklahoma, her career included fashion advertising for TG&Y and commercial art for John A. Brown and The Oklahoma Publishing Company.
The portrait would make a strong focal point above a writing desk or console. For a traditional room, pair it with a broad ivory mat and narrow antique gilt frame; a simple dark wood frame would emphasize its graphic charcoal work. It could also hang with the other Hopper portraits as a collected group.
Unframed original charcoal drawing on paper. The sheet shows age toning, handling wear, and creasing, and small tears along the upper edge and corners. Faint marks are visible on the reverse.
