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Self Portrait with the Stomach Flu
I've been hesitating in posting this self portrait for a couple weeks due to the range of negative responses it has elicited from my friends and family. I painted it in about 2.5 - 3 hours in the studio in the evening, with really soft overhead light. I had been ill with the flu for several days and while I set about to do a study of my ear, wound up becoming intrigued by my gray-ish and gaunt face, skipping painting the ear all together.
Almost everyone who has taken a look at this painting has an immediate and utter dislike for it. Mostly, they say "I don't see you this way." While I grant everyone the right to their opinion, I've decided that I LOVE IT, and I finally have the guts to post it to this forum.
There are some things about this painting that I did intentionally that are on the edge of appearing incorrect. I'm not sure if that simply means I am just still such an inexperienced painter that I am not yet good enough to pull off tweaks like this. I smudged the forehead, half closed the eyes, opened the mouth and elongated the neck on purpose. This is just how I chose to paint me; not pretty, not stunning, not photorealistic, just the way I felt that night.
I would be so interested in your feedback and critique. Thank you.
Mara
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