I've illustrated some Tribal style bellydancers, and I thought it was time to turn my attention to a more traditional Raks Sharqi theme and draw inspiration from lovely Cabaret style bellydancers.

This dancer in a blue, turquoise, and teal bedlah displays some of the exuberance I've seen in live performances where the dancer is truly enveloped in the music. As the title indicates, it's meant to illustrate my favorite type of bellydance pieces, the drum solo. The powerful rhythm of the doumbek becomes a visual pattern emanating from the drum, and nothing exists but the beat and the dance.

Although it cannot be appreciated in the digital version of the artwork, there is a special treat which can be experienced when you see the original. I used touches of slightly metallic acrylic paint to highlight some line work in the image, so that when you see the original from different angles it has a pretty shimmer effect. This touch seemed really appropriate for a Cabaret style dancer to suggest the glitter of the sequins and the sparkle of the beads their costumes.

Media: pen and ink; watercolor; acrylic
Size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches