In my early twenties, I was almost always angry at something. My sense of privilege was frankly ridiculous and expressed itself through overcompensation and drama. Well, that sounds terrible. It wasn't a happy time for me. Looking back at photos I did make some interesting style choices, but the self-portrait drawings, which were very few … Continue reading Self-Portrait Six – Remembering Myself Younger with a Pink Denim Jacket
Self-Portrait Project Five – Seeing Myself In the Works of Others
I'm not comparing my skills to the artists who inspire me, but I do feel that my style has grown out of their influence and I give credit and thanks to Modigliani, Roualt, Ensor, Soutine, and Beckmann for filling my heart and soul with light. In pursuing the self-portrait, I decided to follow my process … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Five – Seeing Myself In the Works of Others
Portrait Project Six – Capturing the moment
The photographer in me seeks to capture the briefest moment in time. I seldom do this with portraits. Catching spontaneous moments in people's faces requires stealth, intimacy, and hubris. Well, I think it does. You have to have confidence that you have the right to get up in someone's space and captures a private moment. … Continue reading Portrait Project Six – Capturing the moment
Portrait Project Five – Finding the right combination of isms to ask a question
Cubism is or can be a simple form of expressionism. One can pull in colour combinations from Fauvism; play with minimalism, and still stay inside the concepts of expressionism. For me, there is always one point of reference for what the portrait is trying to say... it's usually in and/or around the eyes. With or … Continue reading Portrait Project Five – Finding the right combination of isms to ask a question
Portrait Project Four – The Essence of Emotion
Boiling down the essence of expressions is an instinct I think most artists resist. We are often trained to focus on detail and realism. Focused observation can reveal hints of emotion and even exact emotions, but so does a photograph. Perhaps, letting go of the real and just allowing the heart to express what it … Continue reading Portrait Project Four – The Essence of Emotion
Portrait Project Three – In Awe of Imperfection
I didn't intentionally start with this pallet, but the first colour down was black, then a rich raw-sienna. It felt like the rest should stay in the earthy tones. Everything from that point forward was umber-like. I added a little teal to one cheek to give a little tension and it ended up all over … Continue reading Portrait Project Three – In Awe of Imperfection
Portrait Project Two – Finding a love of Grayscale
I felt compelled to try a more monochrome portrait here. I just adore the emotions and tensions offere3d in grayscale. It feels cinematic and gothic. I feel this one is a great success of tone and expression. I plan on playing more with this palette. Subject: I have to give credit to my inspiration for … Continue reading Portrait Project Two – Finding a love of Grayscale
Portrait Project One – Following an inspiration
In my ongoing attempt to overcome my discomfort with portraiture, I decided to do the part I really love... painting faces from imagination. First, I have to give credit to my inspiration for the next few paintings: Juan Martinez Parente. He found me on Pinterest and I've fallen in love with the faces he paints. … Continue reading Portrait Project One – Following an inspiration
Self-Portrait Project 4 – I only see myself in my eyes
Again moving the selfie around to get different dimensions of my face... I managed to distort my perception enough o almost lose myself completely. I still see my eyes. I heard once that all portraitists paint something of themselves into every portrait they paint. This comes from the hours spent observing themselves to practice painting. … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project 4 – I only see myself in my eyes
Self-Portrait Project 3 – Looking into my own eye for a memory
I flipped and moved the focal point of one of my selfies to give myself a good staring into my own eye. I needed to see something there... something I was expressing. Without my glasses on my eyes often look very sleepy, old, and tired. But inside I feel very young and curious, especially when … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project 3 – Looking into my own eye for a memory
The New Renaissance Mindset 