An original charcoal portrait drawing on paper by Oklahoma artist and commercial illustrator Donna Foreman Hopper, sourced directly from her estate in Norman, Oklahoma.
The sitter faces left in profile, her dark hair swept back into a ponytail with a rolled fringe above the forehead. Carefully shaded cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a steady gaze give the portrait a sculptural presence. Dense charcoal passages through the hair and neckline contrast with softer shading across the face and loosely drawn shoulders.
The composition captures the character of the sitter while retaining the immediacy of a working artist’s study. A small monogram-like mark appears near the shoulder on the right side of the composition.
Hopper studied art at Oklahoma State University under Doel Reed and also attended the Kansas City Art Institute. Her 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 monochrome palette and expressive handling, this original drawing would make an appealing addition to a collection of American portraiture or a gallery wall of vintage works on paper.
Condition: Visible paper toning, scattered smudges and surface marks, and handling wear. Creasing and edge wear are present, including a small notch or loss along the right edge beside the ponytail. The reverse shows scattered marks and charcoal transfer.
Dimensions:
19" Wide
25" Tall
