Self Portrait Photo

Jeanine Jackson · 12-19-2003, 02:48 PM

Painting myself is a daunting task that needs doing for our new home. It is to balance with the portrait I did of Roland W. Jackson, my husband, which measures 48" x 36". The attached photo was taken professionally as I am an unwilling model. Any advise on what to watch out for here would be much appreciated.

Michele Rushworth · 12-20-2003, 11:01 AM

Looks nice to me. Do you have enough detail for the face and hands? (I'm not sure how sharp or large the original is.)

Have fun painting it!

Linda Brandon · 12-20-2003, 03:34 PM

Hi Jeanine,

I just finished a self portrait, which I found to be a surprisingly stressful experience, so I am with you on this one.

I think all women artists should paint themselves as knockouts, just as a matter of general principle.

This is a beautiful photo so I just have a few quick suggestions. You are photographed at an angle which shortens your neck, so play around a little here by either giving yourself a few extra vertebrae and/or changing the angle or reducing the size of your trapezius.

Old Holland makes a beautiful pink ("Brilliant Rose", I think) that would work well for this dress.

Jeanine Jackson · 12-20-2003, 09:00 PM

Thank you, ladies!

The resolution is 72dpi which doesn't help with subtle detail. It will be a case of "paint what I know" vs paint what we see.

I would have preferred a more direct view or a pedestal approach, however the suggestions above regarding the neck are helpful. I'll look for that Old Holland color soon.

Happy Holidays!
Jeanine

Chris Saper · 01-04-2004, 04:09 PM

Jeannine,

This is a gorgeous photo,(gorgeous model!)

I agree with Linda completely, I would definitely modify the trapezius.

As to her statement:

Quote:

I think all women artists should paint themselves as knockouts, just as a matter of general principle.

, this is not just principle, it's a law.

I find self-portraits the easiest in a way - no one knows your own face better, and the painter is free to take whatever liberties he or she desires.

01-04-2004, 04:38 PM

Jeanine,

Love the photo, and the pink is very nice. I wonder about the angle too, but I was looking a bit lower. At this angle, with a raised far thigh, the reference gives the impression that your lap is a bit wider than I think it probably is.

Good luck and please post this painting.

Best
Lisa

Jeanine Jackson · 01-04-2004, 08:10 PM

Thank you Chris and Lisa! I will start this painting next. It is very difficult for me to paint this unwilling subject. Your comments help enourmously! I will definitely trim away.