Bowie Blackstar – David Bowie Commemorative Graphite Portrait Drawing

Bowie Blackstar is a commemorative portrait drawing honouring the life, music, and lasting
influence of David Bowie. Bowie’s work shaped my creative outlook for decades, particularly during
my formative teenage years, and his passing was felt deeply. This drawing was created not simply as
a likeness, but as a tribute.
When I learned that Bowie’s ashes were scattered in Bali, I chose to incorporate symbolic imagery
from Tirta Empul Temple, one of the island’s most sacred sites. This element adds a spiritual
dimension to the work, reflecting themes of transition, legacy, and reverence — ideas that resonate
strongly with Bowie’s final artistic statements.
The portrait is executed primarily in graphite, my preferred medium for realism-based portraiture.
Graphite allows for precise control of tone, structure, and fine detail, which are essential when
capturing both physical likeness and emotional presence. While I occasionally use charcoal for larger
works due to its rich, deep blacks, graphite offers clarity and refinement that best suits this piece.
My approach to realism is grounded in strong fundamentals: composition, scale, structure, form, and
tonal balance. Each stage of the drawing is carefully resolved before moving to the next, ensuring
the final work holds conviction and visual integrity. Realism demands patience, observation, and
years of practice — qualities I bring to every portrait I create.

Bowie Blackstar is an original, one-of-a-kind artwork created with respect, admiration, and careful
craftsmanship.

Bowie Blackstar is a personal tribute to an artist whose music shaped a generation. This drawing is
intended as a quiet act of remembrance — combining realism with symbolism to honour Bowie’s
creative spirit and enduring cultural impact.