The hair was the easiest choice... almost. I wanted a flat black and decided to do a base of Mars Black with a little Paynes Grey over it. I had contemplated adding some light grey highlights (perhaps an unnecessary touch of reality). The glass were the blues in my own glass - also an easy … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Fifteen (Part c) – Struggling with Colours
Self-Portrait Project Fifteen (Part b) – Take a left and dive in!
I wasn't satisfied with the acrylic washes on paper. It felt too timid and I wanted to really challenge myself. I liked the face I painted, but wanted to redo it differently. I've been enjoying the use of the pallet knife to build volume in my still life paintings and wondered how it would work … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Fifteen (Part b) – Take a left and dive in!
Self-Portrait Project Fourteen – Product of a Welcome Distraction
I knew I had to give in and work with my brushes and acrylics for the class, so I dove in and started with a suggestion the teacher gave us... use washes. Frankly, I believe I only have half an understanding of this technique and my level of patience in working the slow build-up of … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Fourteen – Product of a Welcome Distraction
Self-Portrait Project Thirteen – I just don’t see myself this way
I took a little more scientific approach to paint this one and tried to show how wide my (now 53-year-old) face has become. I tried to render my features a little more proportionately. Somethings are more accurate, but it just doesn't feel like me. I just don't see myself, nor my place in this universe … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Thirteen – I just don’t see myself this way
Self-Portrait Project Twelve – I’m liking my Covid-crazy-hair
Stuck in the house most of the time and wearing hats going out for groceries and such, I just don't have anyone to impress with well-combed hair. My hair is nowhere as crazy-cool as Tom Waits', but it has some freedom to it. I took an old profile picture to paint from with this and … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Twelve – I’m liking my Covid-crazy-hair
Self-Portrait Project Eleven – Inside My Head, I’m Handsome
Ok, I have to laugh at myself sometimes. I feel I've painted a smirk of self-admiration in this portrait. Maybe I catch a different me in my camera lens than in the mirrors I have at home. Maybe I am resisting the reality that I am starting to look my age. Maybe I just like … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Eleven – Inside My Head, I’m Handsome
Self-Portrait Project Ten – A Direct Gaze
Looking straight at myself to paint is a strange feeling. I don't feel as self-conscious as I used to when starting this process and I'm noticing more little facial quirks and mannerisms. In this case, I tend to raise one eyebrow, usually the right one, just as I'm about to take my gaze from the … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Ten – A Direct Gaze
Self-Portrait Project Nine – A Touch More Real
I felt I needed to do one with my glasses on, even though I feel my eyes disappear under them. I didn't realize until painting in the outline for this, that the glasses feel so much larger than my face width. They aren't in reality. I let my hands interpret what my mind tells them … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Nine – A Touch More Real
Self-Portrait Project Eight – Unexpected Results
The varnish was getting very muddy from all the dry pastel dust and it was darkening everything on the paper. This could have been very frustrating if I held onto my initial desire to capture the paleness of my Winter face. I was painting this live from my reflection on my phone screen. Before adding … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Eight – Unexpected Results
Self-Portrait Project Seven – Diving Deep Inside
At this point in the explorations, I was feeling a little overwhelmed at how many more I wanted to do. I should say, I let myself get away from the moment of making and lost track of the blank canvas in front of me. I decided to look away from my selfies and look deep … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Seven – Diving Deep Inside
The New Renaissance Mindset 