Junior Year Self-Portrait

2024 | 11 x 14 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

This assignment is about studying our facial features and how shapes, forms, colors, and values all fit together in a portrait. My investigation of the subject included using a mirror while painting, experimenting with finding the right colors, and studying the contrast in values in my face. I employed experimentation with studying facial features in sketchbook exercises, a practice with a charcoal sketch that included revising the proportions of the face, and establishing values as the first step of the painting. I also continued to revise the proportions, shapes, forms, colors, and values while progressing through the painting. I've used a mirror, one large brush with thicker bristles, one small brush for details, and one brush in between. I experimented with the mixing and quick application of acrylic paint so it could blend easily, and moved around some features to make it more accurate and proportional. I've discovered that it's important to take breaks to step outside of one feature or a specific color, especially if I feel like I'm struggling with it, and focus on the bigger picture with regard to the overall harmony of proportions and value.

Expressive Self-Portrait

2023 | 12 x 16 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

My self portrait was referenced from my sophomore year school photo, with a change to my hair to match the haircut I had while painting it. I take up most of the canvas, colored in with a red palette from black to white to have contrasting values in the photo. The contrasting values showcase the shadows and highlights of the photo and replicate the image well. The background is a light green because it is the complementary color to the light red shades.

A background of a complementary color to the subject makes it pop. The variation in shades of red make it the dominant color. The canvas grid method was used to make the self portrait, so I used line in the piece through making contour outlines of each grid square. The shapes in the painting are representational of the original photo.

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Shattered Image