Flash

Flash
Monotype On Paper
11.7 x 8.3"

     With this monotype I attempted to show the light from a flash bulb as a photograph is taken. I also did a lot more post print work on this one than I normally do just to create more tonal values. As its a monotype I can work on it a much as I want but I have to be careful not to overwork it and kill its energy. Its trying to get the right balance between spontaneous and correct.

Blue

Blue
Wax On Watercolour Paper
15.2 x 10.6"

     I saw a Michael Carson portrait called 'Woman In Red' and it inspired me to try something similar. Another self portrait, but why not.

Self Portrait With Brush

Self Portrait With Brush
Wax On Watercolour Paper
19.1 x 14.8"

     I promise you I'm not a narcissist it's just that I don't have to pay the model. On a serious note though I do like the challenge of painting myself and its great practice. It's interesting how little we really know about the face we see everyday, especially when you have to really look at it and create an accurate portrayal.
     Though I never have paid much attention to my own face I wonder if it's different for women, and they know through putting on makeup the lines and features of their face better. Perhaps this makes women better self portraitist's.

Thinking Cap

Thinking Cap
Watercolour On Watercolour Paper
14.8 x 10.6"

      It's been a long time since I have touched watercolour but I wanted to learn to use it. So I thought a self portrait would be a good idea as a test. It's still a slow process and I find it a weak medium but I'm sure my skills will improve over time.

Judgement

Judgement
Graphite On Paper
16.5 x 11.75"

     A dramatic self portrait. I was thinking about stage actors and the theatre when I made this. I sometimes wish I had taken up acting, that I might be more fearless. Another dream I suppose. I think we might need several lifetimes to achieve all our plans. So here is my interpretation of judgement and may I never be found wanting.

Self Portrait In Blue Shirt

Self Portrait In Blue Shirt
Acrylic On Canvas Paper
13.5 x 19.5"

     So this is me in colour. Nothing too complicated, just a head shot to help me build confidence in painting a portrait. I'm happy with my change of focus from buildings to figures but I wish I had done so sooner. Never mind though as at the time of writing this I have finished another portrait and have started a third which is more complex as it is set within a scene. So look out for those in the coming weeks.

Charcoal Self Portrait II

Charcoal Self Portrait II
Charcoal On Watercolour Paper
16.9 x 12.6"

     As I mentioned in my previous post I am working on portraits and people right now. I will be doing several self portraits as well as works featuring family and friends as they are the people I have easiest access to. So here's another charcoal self portrait. This time of my face just to see if I could capture my likeness.
     I was quite happy how this one turned out and it does look like me. Its interesting when you have to examine yourself close up, all the lumps and bumps and curves that make up you. Its almost a spiritual experience or a frightening one. Anyway I now feel more confident about my portrait work so expect to see the results of this soon.

Self Portrait

Self Portrait
Ink, Acrylic And Watercolour On Paper
23.4 x 16.5"

     Self portraits are something I have avoided in the past. This is partly because I don't really paint people. The other part is that I'm not that fond of myself. Painting for me is an escape from everything, including myself. When I'm working on a piece I'm no longer me but just some entity that is nameless and formless, that only cares about the art. In truth I'm running away from myself through my work.
     However I do need the practice as I have decided to start creating more paintings with people in them. I hope this will add more life to my architectural work and pave the way to more portrait related stuff.
     So here I am in mostly ink form. Now its a close likeness I think but there are lots of things wrong with it and so I must make more and improve. If I had access to models or willing family members I would use them but I don't so I guess I will have to do for now.

Self Portrait

Self Portrait
Charcoal On Paper
16.5 x 23.5"

     This is me happily painting away with my headphones on. I don't really paint people never mind self portraits but its always good to mix things up. I also wanted to get back into charcoal drawing. I'm no David Kassan but I do think I have captured a good likeness of myself.