Portrait Artist Forum - Human on My Faithless Arm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmie Arroyo

Garth, another beautiful piece. (like we would expect anything else, duh)

Out of curiosity, have you done other self-portraits over the years? Wondering if this painting would be possible if you started painting it today. Not technically, but emotionally. It still feels like you have personal burdens, but how to portray yourself today would be interesting to see. Maybe you should celebrate the painting's ten year anniversary by painting an update? I'm sure we would more anxious awaiting it's completion than you would be! ;)

Can't say it enough, but your work is truly incredible.

Dear Terri, Cindy, Jimmie, Carl, Rob, Garth, and Heidi:

I am overwhelmed with your positve responses and interest about my painting. Actually I am at a loss for words. Your support and encouragement really takes the sting out of feeling perhaps overexposed. Okay, I am feeling a liitle more comfortable now. Thanks!

Jimmie, Rob, and Heidi: Be careful what you wish for! Yes, I have done a couple of nude self portraits over the years. I have one from 1983, which is quite different as a composition and is dramatically lit from behind ( I used Liquin glazes a little too freely in this one though, so it already has conservation issues). I was rather skinny then, but alas, am not anymore. I have never considered doing another since Human on My Faithless Arm. I can't fit in that pose today. A new image would have to reflect some posing changes with a fresh insight. Your invitation has me thinking though, about how one might best go about to portray what is plainly evident to be an unremarkable, unideal, and age-faded human figure into a representation that could be sufficiently resonating and compelling as a painted image. I'm sure it's possibe to do well, but you shall have to encourage me on. August marks the ten-year anniversary for this painting.

Of course if any of the rest of you have self portraits, bring them out to share here as well, so we can have a community of peers. :o

Garth