Black & White Charcoal Portrait Drawing of a Woman with Peter Pan Collar MCM

An original portrait drawing on paper by Oklahoma artist and commercial illustrator Donna Foreman Hopper, sourced directly from her estate in Norman, Oklahoma.

The sitter is depicted in a gently turned pose, with swept-back dark hair, a rolled section above the forehead, and a rounded white Peter Pan collar. Her gaze extends toward the left of the composition, lending the portrait a quiet, contemplative presence.

Rich shading defines the cheekbones, eyes, and jaw, while lighter strokes suggest the shoulders and clothing. The contrast between the dark hair and lightly rendered collar draws attention to the face. Faint construction lines remain visible, preserving the immediacy of the artist’s working process. A small monogram-like signature appears beside the collar.

Hopper studied art at Oklahoma State University under Doel Reed and also attended the Kansas City Art Institute. Her professional career included illustration for Hallmark, fashion advertising artwork for TG&Y, and commercial art for John A. Brown and the Oklahoma Publishing Company.

With its restrained palette and expressive modeling, this estate-sourced drawing would make an appealing addition to a collection of American portraiture or a gallery wall of vintage works on paper.

Provenance: Estate of Donna Foreman Hopper, Norman, Oklahoma.

Offered unframed. Exact creation date unknown, however this piece was part of a collection which are dated to the 1950s. We believe that this piece in particular is from earlier in her career, as her signature does not reflect her married name yet. 

Condition: Age-related paper toning, scattered spotting and surface marks, light creasing, and handling wear along the edges and corners. A circular embossed mark is visible near the upper-left corner. The reverse shows scattered smudging and marks. 

Dimensions:
23" Tall
14.5" Wide