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.

Alfie

Alfie
Acrylic On Canvas
23.6 x 23.6"

     Commissioned portrait of a Labrador. I keep wondering if I should try and become a pet portrait artist. I would love to make art and earn a living from it as I'm sure all people who do art and craft would. I wish I had more connections with the art world or at least some business sense to make this  a reality.
     This painting also highlights the difficulties of photographing and colour correcting artwork for online viewing. For the life of me I couldn't get rid of the redness on the left hand side and my work never looks as good on screen as it does in real life. This too I'm sure is a common problem.

Sunday Paper

Sunday Paper
Acrylic On Canvas Board
24 x 18"

     A full portrait this time. I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could do one with some scenery. It was important that all the elements felt like they belonged in the same scene and that the lighting was consistent. I also loosened up on some of the parts of the painting to create a focal point around the figure. I'm really enjoying portraiture right now and expect that to be my main drive for a while longer.

Taking It Easy

Taking It Easy
Pastel On Watercolour Paper
14 x 17.5"

     I haven't used pastel in a long time. Mostly because I started using watersoluble wax and I find this more versatile as a bridge between drawing and painting. But I did decide to revisit this medium and make this black and white painting. I forgot how messy pastel can be.

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.

Motion

Motion
Graphite On Paper
11.75 x 6.5"

     Sometimes I think my paintings and drawings aren't free and loose enough so this is a good way to counter that.