30x40" self portrait

[April Phillips]

This is a self-portrait I did as a homework assignment for a painting class, inspired by an 1885 painting by Ellen Day Hale. It's hanging in my garage/studio. I'm happy with it, but what in the world do you do with a giant portrait of yourself??

[Richard Bingham]

Originally Posted by April Phillips

. . . what in the world do you do with a giant portrait of yourself??

If you have a website or a blog, business cards, present a CV/bio when exhibiting, approaching galleries or entering competitions, a self-portrait isn't a bad thing to include . . . either the whole painting or cropped to suit the usage. It makes you personally "real", and offers an example of your work at the same time.

[Chris Saper]

Hi April,

I like this very much!! As to what to do, it absolutely goes on a business card, and needs to hang on the wall!

I have three portraits of myself hanging around, and I don't feel the least bit shy about it.

[Richard Bingham]

Geez, Chris . . . "well, duh!" I wouldn't either, if I looked like you. As it is, self-portraits of "Quasimodo" on the wall or a business card may be counter-productive . . .

[Alexandra Tyng]

April,

I know the portrait you mean by Hale--I love your adaptation of it! The outfit and pose are great, so is the likeness. There is something in your facial expression that makes me want to keep looking at it. Why not use it for a business card? Good idea. Or on your website.