Self-Portrait

Chris Saper · 03-14-2002, 09:54 PM

This is a pastel, done on Sennelier's La Carte Sanded paper...a great surface, but it is impossible to lift pastel completely (even mostly)...

And of course, there is a tale to go with it...I was under the gun to produce an image for my brochure, and had at hand only an automatic, self-focusing camera. I set it on auto-timer and quickly ran around, and of course the camera focused on the background clutter behind...one of the worst, most out-of focus source photos ever. However, I figured I could start with the parts I could make out, the figure, hair and part of the face in light, and that then just finish up with a mirror, which I did.

When I completed the face it simply was WRONG, and difficult to figure out why..but eventually it dawned on me that I had painted two right sides of the face, and had achieved the odd look you get when you place a mirror on half of a photographed face. The right side became left in the photo, but remained right in the mirror. So now the first side had to be repainted with the mirror. I got a thumbs down critique at home, and started fussing with the easel, and the painting fell across my back, obliterating the face, and leaving those odd little scrape marks behind the neck in shadow. Although beleaguered, at the least the edges were improved.

Never did like it well enough to put in a brochure,and went with a photo instead.

Chris

Lon Haverly · 03-14-2002, 10:34 PM

In spite of your own perceived flaws, I see none! It is great! It has flare, depth, color and beauty. I have never worked on sanded stuff. I hate velour, but never tried that. I use smooth Strathmore for speed. But I don't usually get the rich dark tones you get with this. I love it!

Mike McCarty · 03-14-2002, 11:32 PM

Chris, I like your portrait a lot. Can anyone ever be pleased with their own image? It's a real exercise in psychoanalysis.

Mary Sparrow · 03-15-2002, 08:47 AM

I think it is beautiful!...I have never painted myself, one reason is because I think I take AWFUL pictures, and I know I would be tempted to flatter everything I hate about myself. The OTHER reason is I would be afraid my friends would actually see it and think "MY doesn't she have a high opinion of herself"..LOL

But, you are beautiful, and your portrait is too! Thanks for sharing.

Jennifer Geary · 03-15-2002, 11:28 AM

Geeez, I have to say, I love your style! You make me want to break open my pastels and get to work! I would love to try and work with sanded surfaces, where did you find yours? Is it something you can buy at an art supply store or do you have to order it? I think your self portrait is fabulous, and should have been put in your brochure! I have seen your other work, and really get inspired by it! Thanks for showing us this gorgeous piece! I am gonna go paint now! :-)

Chris Saper · 03-15-2002, 11:29 AM

You are both kind, thank you. Mary you would probably enjoy painting a self portrait , especially with a mirror. It is so much easier to measure proportion, and you can always get yourself back into the right position.There is no one whose face you know as well as your own!

In any case, here is another one, from a photo taken by my dear friend Linda Brandon. Also on Sennelier, and more recent. During my (short-lived) brunette phase.

Leopoldo Benavidez · 03-15-2002, 04:13 PM

Chris,

There isn't too much more I can add to the wonderful comments about your skill as a portrait artist. Free, stylish and intelligent handling of this medium!...L

Lon Haverly · 03-15-2002, 08:02 PM

Y'otta try this for a livin'!

Margaret Elvin · 03-15-2002, 11:33 PM

Chris,
Your portrait is simply stunning! You have so much talent it is almost discouraging (not your intent!) for struggling amateurs like me.

But, still, I had to leave a post to tell you I ordered your book through Amazon.com connected to this site, received it yesterday, and can think of little else. IT IS WONDERFUL!!! If I can pick up a fraction of what you teach I will be a much better portrait artist.

Right now I am waist high in a writing project, but am now chomping at the bit to try some of your ideas.

I plan on writing a review for Amazon.com because their editorial reviewed was woefully inadequate and clearly written by a non-artist. I have Horton's book too, which they compare it to, and frankly there is no comparison.

Your illustrations are breathtaking and worth the price of the book alone!

Margaret Elvin

Chris Saper · 03-15-2002, 11:59 PM

Oh, Margaret, thank you so much for your note! It has warmed my heart immeasurably.Thanks, also, for doing the Amazon review...(the Horton reference was actually written by the Library Journal committee)

Chris