Fairy 

Craig Mullins made this drawing of a fairy using graphite or charcoal on paper. The material has a direct impact on its appearance, creating a range of soft, smudged tones that model the form of the reclining figure. Mullins has used techniques such as hatching and cross-hatching to build up areas of shadow and volume, especially around the fairy's back and wings. This emphasizes the texture of the paper and the way the graphite catches on its surface. While these methods have been a foundation of academic art for centuries, Mullins also uses looser, more expressive lines, especially in the rendering of the wings. This combination of approaches gives the drawing a sense of spontaneity and movement. It also hints at the amount of work involved in the process, requiring patience and skill to build up the image layer by layer. By paying attention to the materials and processes used in its making, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the artist's vision.