Back to the struggle of what colour does the shirt need to be... I painted it light grey, added pink all over it, then considered unbleached titanium... only to then consider just making it black. I could add highlights after if I wanted. Before this point, I was also wondering if I should add a … Continue reading Self-Portrait Project Fifteen (Part d) – The Simplest Solution Often Works Best
Self-Portrait Project Fifteen (Part c) – Struggling with Colours
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 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 Six – Remembering Myself Younger with a Pink Denim Jacket
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
The New Renaissance Mindset 