I began the sketch of Dumbledore a week back. I was inspired a while ago, when I saw the pictures of the Half-blood Prince movie. I love the character of Albus Dumbledore and love even more what he is a representation of: a mentor, a friend, a teacher, a guide, a support, a personification of wisdom, humour and love. So when I read his death in the book, I was pretty shaken up. The sadness lingered for many days after I finished the HBP. (I have never read the book again – though I am a huge fan of the HP series and have read the other books many times.)

So when I started this sketch I did so with a lot of emotions invested in it.

What makes this sketch more intense is because I finished sketching it, while watching the news constantly. And I have been glued to the television for nearly 12 hours straight because my city has, literally, been under siege for nearly 40 hours by terrorists, since 26th November, 2008. The police and the army are still pitted against them, because the cowards are holed up in different public places with hostages in tow.

So as I sketched this portrait of Dumbledore, I have put in a lot of desperation into the eyes, and also the inevitability of death, but also the inevitability of hope and a happier ending. I hope all who look upon this sketch see that and feel a little of what I am feeling.