Self-Portrait

 

Self-Portrait, 9 x 12

Painting a self-portrait is always an anxiety-laden process, for me at least. I don't know whether to make myself prettier or uglier, since capturing an exact likeness is elusive. It's grappling with the awareness of your own identity. Out of the desire to paint from life, this is the model who's always available. I worked on keeping the edges soft.

It's hard to photograph this painting because of the glare. I feel the colors are cooler and richer in the actual painting. 

Portrait Sketch

 

Jen, 12 x 16 

Just a quick portrait sketch, painted from life. The model is a friend of a friend.

Two Studies

Tuesday was a painting day.

 

Gisele, 14 x 11

 

Figure Study, 20 x 16

When I paint figures, I tend to elongate the form and the figures end up looking like super tall models in fashion illustrations (blame it on years of doodling fashion models on the margins of my notebooks in school). So this time I tried to correct that and went a bit too far in the other direction. The model looks short and stumpy. Oh well. Maybe next time I'll get the proportions right. 

Kuniko

 

Kuniko, 16 x 12

The model is a kimono consultant. She makes kimonos and teaches people how to wear them. She is also a Shinto priestess. I watched a video of her doing a beautiful Japanese dance with a fan. She has a powerful presence and carries herself with quiet dignity.