How is it that a male figure emerges from this scene? What visual effects help us see a seated man amongst a whirlwind of ink dots, lines, and scribbles? Elaine de Kooning builds space and volume within the composition, varying her use of ink to provide short-cut details to help the viewer fill in the blanks. Visible throughout is the hand of the artist at work – the left pant leg, the front of the shirt – illuminating the build-up and release of ink throughout the composition.