Winnie Harlow

This portrait drawing depicts Winnie Harlow — a fashion model known to many for her striking presence and for embracing her vitiligo with confidence and grace.

Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses pigmentation in certain areas. Over time, society has attached labels to this condition that have often made those who live with it feel “different,” affecting their emotional and psychological well-being.

I was inspired to draw Winnie not only to raise awareness of vitiligo, but because I am deeply moved by the way she proudly wears her skin. Watching her journey over the years, it has been beautiful to see how her confidence, displayed so openly on global platforms, has encouraged others with similar skin conditions to embrace the skin they’re in.

This piece took over 355 hours to complete. I studied hundreds of photos and videos to better understand who she is and to convey that essence in the portrait. Every second was worth it, and I hope that the depth of that dedication is felt when viewing this artwork.

Dimensions: 22x30 inches
Paper: Strathmore paper
Medium: Charcoal, Graphite, Pastel and Acrylic