Carlos,

This is terrific. To echo what Ilaria said, it doesn't seem to me to be a vignette - the drawing is so solid, so sure. The fact that it is "unfinished" in some areas only serves to convey an artist who is supremely confident in their abundant skills and in total control, directing the viewer's eyes around the piece to the areas he wants to take us. The painting is finished in every sense of the word - and it's beautiful.

David

Carlos, everything about this painting is exactly right - the right amount of finish, the combination of line and massing, the earthy tones, the painterly energy and the careful accuracy in your face - I'm very impressed. I wish I had painted this.

Claudemir, thanks very much!
David, what a nice comment!--thanks--I did not really think about how the viewers

Dear Carlos,

I was taken with this image when I first saw it - and thought I'd already responded...:) I think your self-portrait is beautiful and engaging. It makes me want to meet the artist who painted it, which I think should be the goal of every self-portrait.

Hi Carlos
It has been a while since I last popped in here, the first painting I come across is yours. Your work instantly gave me a tingle of inspiration to recapture the dream. Thank you for showing your free flowing creative juices in such an inspiration manner. Great Stuff!

Chris-- thank you very much for your nice words. Few things are as telling as a self portrait, I believe. Like a diary, in a way.

Ngaire-- nice to see you back. Thank you also for taking the time to look at this work. I

Hello Carlos. I like your pose and the vignette. I have trouble with tasteful vignettes. Also, good tactile feel to your leather jacket. Thick and dimensional. Your personality shines through as intense and passionate. You are clearly a direct painter comfortable painting from life. I assume you have visited Museo Sorolla?

Chris Kolupski

Happy new year to all!
 

Chris,

Thanks for viewing and commenting.
The Museo Sorolla is one of Madrid

My goodness, what a terrific painting! And to think it was somewhat spontaneous and quick in its creation.

I've been reading a bit about the creative process (in the book "Blink", among others) and there seems to be something valuable in a spontaneous, rapid process, but only once the creator has achieved an "expert" level of skill first -- which you clearly have!