Asher's Portfolio

Graphite pencil, paper, 2025.

(IDEA) This piece was born from my fascination with the quiet, unassuming presence of small creatures in their natural environments. I’ve always admired how squirrels can find balance and comfort in the most precarious of spaces. My idea came from observing a squirrel sitting in one of our bird feeders in my backyard, its calm demeanor offering a stark contrast to the cold, textured environment.

(PROCESS) I used graphite pencils to capture the fur textures and the hard, linear elements of the bird feeder. I worked in layers, sketching the feeder and the squirrel before adding details to both. I then went back and added the background texture.

(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY) This work represents resilience and adaptability. The squirrel, often seen as a symbol of resourcefulness and preparation, sits balanced against a harsh, rough background.

(ARTISTIC GROWTH) The most challenging aspect was conveying the squirrel’s soft, fluffy texture and keeping it the way my reference portrayed it. I overcame this by experimenting with different pencil grades to find the right balance of detail and subtlety. If I could start over, I'd probably redo the entire thing.

(VISUAL VOICE) This is a realistic drawing with slight abstraction in the textures to create a dreamlike atmosphere. It reflects my personal style of merging naturalism with expressive mark-making. I love how the piece captures a quiet narrative—how a small creature claims its space amidst an otherwise cold, indifferent world.

Colored pencil, paper, 2025.

(IDEA) This was an early sketch of a luna moth, inspired by their delicate beauty and symmetry. I’ve always been drawn to butterflies and moths in particular, seeing them as short lasting wonders that embody the mystery of nature.

(PROCESS) I used red, blue, yellow, and pink colored pencils to create a soft, ethereal outline, focusing on capturing the graceful shapes of the wings and the unique “eye” patterns on the moth’s body.

(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY) For me, the luna moth symbolizes transformation and fleeting beauty. Its life cycle is short but impactful—like a flash of wonder that can disappear at any moment. I wanted this sketch to capture that sense of transient grace.

(ARTISTIC GROWTH) The biggest challenge was simplifying the intricate patterns of the moth’s wings into a sketch that still felt delicate and elegant. I learned to trust my initial lines and not overwork the drawing. If I could change one thing, I might add more depth to the wings’ contours.

(VISUAL VOICE) This piece leans towards realism, but with a loose, gestural quality. It feels distinctly mine because of the minimalism and the color choices, which emphasize the moth’s delicacy. I love how the colored lines echo the moth’s fragile wings, almost as if it might fly off the page.

Colored pencil, paper, 2025.

(IDEA) This final drawing was made from my luna moth sketch showed previously. I wanted to capture the vibrant, almost magical quality of the luna moth while staying true to its natural form.

(PROCESS) I layered green, brown, grey, black, and yellow colored pencils to build up the soft, velvety texture of the wings. Careful blending and shading helped create a luminous quality in the colors, while the crisp lines gave structure to the piece.

(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY) The luna moth here stands as a symbol of renewal and mystery. Its pale green glow and the eyespots on its wings speak to both vulnerability and an otherworldly power. I want viewers to think about the hidden wonders of nature and the quiet stories they tell.

(ARTISTIC GROWTH) The most challenging part was achieving the symmetry and subtle color transitions that make the moth feel alive. I worked through this by revisiting my sketch multiple times and practicing with color blending techniques. If I could do it again, I’d explore a softer background to make the moth stand out even more.

(VISUAL VOICE) This is a realistic drawing with a hint of whimsy, especially in how I approached the color transitions. It feels unique to me because of the gentle transitions and the care I put into the eyespots, which are always a highlight for me in moths. I love how this final drawing balances both delicacy and vibrancy, capturing the luna moth’s fleeting yet powerful presence.