Sunday in the Art Room SITAR 6/21/26

 Welcome to

SITAR is about ANYTHING art. Your art, someone else's art, writing, photography, the art of cooking, the art of sewing and textiles. Sharing historical art, street art, a story about art. Do you have a question or need help with art? Write a blog post and link it up here. We will all try to help with it. My only rule is that if someone asks for critique it must be done with generosity and consideration. 

This is a place of learning, encouragement and inspiration.

 

Since last year, I began exploring portraiture to celebrate individuals with unique features, such as scars, birth defects, and skin conditions who are often overlooked or deemed unattractive in today's society. More so underrepresented in art.

I have tried a few times to draw portraits of women with scars.  

I did show these in July of 2025. I don't think they are very successful. 

 

 

Sometimes, the final piece doesn’t quite match the vision in my mind. Rendering the complex textures of a face, like wrinkles and scars is a challenge for me. As a self taught artist, it takes me a bit longer to grasp these finer details, but I'm practicing. During my search for references, I came across an incredibly inspiring 

British artist, Kelvin Okafor.

His self portrait. 

I had to share this image since his self portrait is very serious. 

 

After reading Kelvin's bio, it is clear his passion extends far beyond simply capturing faces. He specializes in portraiture, finding deep fascination in the human condition. Regardless of a subject's age, background, or identity, every face he draws tells a compelling story. Once you see his art you will know exactly what I mean.

Kelvin is a hyperrealistic artist renowned for his breathtaking photo-like graphite and charcoal portraits. His work goes beyond mere photorealism, capturing the deep character and emotional essence and pure humanity of his subjects.  

 

 

All art is created by Kelvin Okafor  

Catrin Pugh, physiotherapist and motivational speaker, whose burns were due to a coach crash. Image from 10 an art magazine that covers contemporary art along side fashion and beauty.

Nikki Lilly 2024 Arteriovenous malformation. 2024 A British social media personality, charity campaigner, and TV presenter. She is widely known for her resilience and advocacy. Diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening condition called arteriovenous malformation (AVM) at age six, she has undergone over 100 surgeries to date.

 

I have featured Seal in my lupus awareness posts. His facial scars are due to lupus. Kelvin executed this in 2023
 

Katie Piper: Prior to her 2008 acid attack, Katie Piper was a model and aspiring television presenter. In March 2008, an ex-boyfriend orchestrated a brutal sulfuric acid attack that left her blind in one eye, permanently scarred, and missing sections of her face. 

Shimbe Avalumun Queen Albinism 2023
The above photos from Hope 93 

A contemporary art gallery, advisory platform, and event space located in London's West End. 

If you would like to view Kelvin creating his art, and I know you do, please click onto his Facebook link.

Throughout my research into Kelvin Okafor, I discovered a deeply sensitive and compassionate man, whose creations are driven by a fierce passion.

Oh and by the way, in watching his videos his voice is deep, luscious and full of soft conviction. It’s almost impossible not to hang onto every single word he says.

 I hope you enjoyed meeting Kelvin Okafor and will continue to seek out is art.

Nicole

 

Must see Kelvin's Facebook 

 Kelivn's website

Kelvin's youtube. 

art magazing 1883 

Cindy Wider interview