Charcoal Drawings & Sketches

The Portrait Collection presents a series of charcoal drawings and paintings created by Naomi Katz Plotkin, many of which emerged from live sessions held over Zoom with models. These works capture the essence of human presence through line, shadow, and tone, balancing the immediacy of gesture with the depth of observation. Working primarily in charcoal, Naomi explores the expressive range of the medium—from delicate shading that suggests vulnerability to bold, assertive marks that emphasize strength. The portraits are not mere likenesses; they hold traces of conversation, stillness, and the unique intimacy of remote connection. Each drawing invites the viewer to engage with both the sitter and the act of looking itself. Whether it is the curve of a shoulder, the weight of a gaze, or the quiet poise of a figure, Naomi’s portraits transform fleeting moments into lasting impressions, revealing the humanity within distance.