First attempt at a self portrait

Janel Maples · 02-12-2004, 05:29 PM

I portrayed myself as not having thick enough skin for critique when I introduced myself. It was wrong of me to do that. I am very new to this but I really want to improve so I can paint professionally. So please feel free to say, or do digitally, what you want. I wouldn

Janel Maples · 02-12-2004, 05:43 PM

Second attempt at posting an image, sorry.

Chris Saper · 02-14-2004, 12:55 AM

Dear Janel,

I think you have already identified some things you would change with regard to the type and direction of lighting. By using a directional light on yourself, you'll get more light and shadow aptterns, which will make it easier to see and depict form.

I don't exactly understand how your canvas or mixing area was lit, but it might have been that you had too much light on either or both of those surfaces. This would cause you to misjudge the strength of the hues on the canvas, so that in less strong light, the colors would pale.

Yes, I see what you mean about your eyes! I have only painted myself in the mirror about 4 times, and each was fraught with lots of strange artifacts, not the least of which is I am badly nearsighted, and I painted myself without glasses, unable to see anything very clearly after about 6 inches distance. As I recall, I just tried to make the eyes look like they tracked. I'm not sure what the solution to this is, perhaps others can share their tips.

I think you have dealt very well with the edges of the hair, so that the subject is well-integrated into the background.

I would recommend you look at your portrait in the mirror, or do a flip in Photoshop to check the symmetry in your face.

Nice to have you join us!

Jane Bradley · 02-14-2004, 05:16 PM

I was very impressed with this first attempt at a self portrait. I think you have captured a personality in the portrait. Nice job.

Janel Maples · 02-15-2004, 01:07 AM

Jane,

Oops, I almost added an

Michele Rushworth · 02-15-2004, 05:01 AM

Many of the most well known professionals use and recommend measuring devices of all kinds, so I wouldn't sweat that issue. People use grids, calipers, rulers... whatever works.

You asked if there is a trick to getting facial features to look symmetrical without sacrificing likeness, and I don't think there is. It seems to be an either/or thing: perfect likeness or perfect symmetry. Otherwise you can pick a point somewhere in between, depending on what your goals are.