Preliminary Drawing: Biography

My character for the Biography project is Nina Simone, a well-known pianist and singer who peaking in the 1960s, and is nicknamed The High Priestess of Soul. For my visual representation of Nina Simone's life I plan to create a graphic novel style zine, which will highlight how her career and life intertwined with the civil rights movement. Whilst in my essay I discussed how racial injustice in America impacted the beginning of Simone's life; I want my visual representation to explore the woman she would later become, the hardships she faced, and her tireless involvement in The Civil Rights Movement. 

My preliminary drawings are targeted on learning to draw particular key people, places and objects in Simone's life. To complete this I used material such as pictures I already had, whilst looking at historical pictures from the places Simone had been, as well researching types of pianos and how they are structured. I also focused on creating an authentic visual representation of Simone herself, in order to accurately display her character and personality through facial expression, posture and gestures. Further research for this included re-watching her documentary, What Happened Miss Simone, and watching further interviews and recitals. I developed these drawings by recreating them in different styles and colours, primarily using pencil. 

Exploration of hands and the piano 

Concert hall examples, and structural architecture.

1950s/60s bar exterior/interior.

Portraiture studies; Nina Simone and guitarist, Al Shackman.