Dr. Ernest Holmes is one of my favorite writers in the positive-thinking movement. His inspiring books include his classic text “Science of Mind” as well as works like “Creative Mind” and “This Thing Called You.”
In his classic history of the New Thought movement, “One Simple Idea,” historian Mitch Horowitz writes: “Ernest Holmes was a Maine Yankee who remade himself as a California mystic—and became one of New Thought’s greatest shapers and popularizers. While never widely known, Holmes stood at the center of Hollywood’s mystical scene in the first half of the twentieth century, attracting admirers from Cecil B. DeMille to Elvis Presley.”
I completed a portrait of Dr. Holmes today. I wanted to concentrate on using fairly large areas of black so the drawing wouldn’t look washed out but instead show some bold contrast.
I hope that I was able to capture the wisdom and kindness (and humor!) of Dr. Ernest Holmes in this ink portrait.
Starting out with Graphite
Starting out with a preliminary drawing, as accurate as possible, made with a Staedtler HB graphite pencil.
“To overcome fear is the greatest adventure of the mind.” —Dr. Ernest Holmes
Inking with a Fountain Pen
Enhancing the drawing of Dr. Holmes with a fountain pen.
“Prepare your mind to receive the best that life has to offer.” —Dr. Ernest Holmes
The Completed Portrait
Portrait of Dr. Holmes, ink on paper.
I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into how I create a drawing and what inspires me. And if the work of Dr. Holmes intrigues you, I hope you will check it out—I think you will find it very rewarding!