'A-Punk, self portrait'
8" x 10" watercolor
1. You're not as bad looking as you thought you were.
2. It's nearly impossible to pose for your own self portrait with anything other than a big smile, a goofy expression, or something else that you hope looks introspective and mysterious, but is neither because really it's just you raising your head a little too much so you can see through your crooked glasses.
3. While strong sunlight from the side, is your favorite way to paint portraits of other people, on you it is just plain un-flattering.
4. It's somewhat unsettling to look at yourself for so long. To really see all the good and bad parts of your face that are you. (I kind of feel like it's been ages since I actually looked at myself)
5. Just in case you ever start to take yourself too seriously, just paint another self portrait. That'll humble you. It's HARD. :)
6. Your hair looks good. Wild, but good.
7. A portrait, of anyone (including you), is about likeness it's true, but it's even more about expression. And truth. Who is this person really? It's your goal, as a portrait artist, to find that out and paint it.
8. You are now COMPLETELY sympathetic with all those people you have asked, or will ask to model for you. Poor unsuspecting souls.
9. You probably need to paint another one of these, with that strong un-flattering sunlight. Just for fun. You know how much you love sunlight!
10. You can never have too highly developed drawing skills. They are a MUST for a self portrait.
So, I decided that it was finally time I jumped in and tried a painting challenge from the Daily Paintworks site. I'd been thinking about doing a self portrait for a while and figured now was as good a time as any. I think you all should do one too. :):):)
What I'm listening to: A-Punk by Vampire Weekend
Oh Crystal, it is simply fantastic, I love it, you are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLooking good.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT!!!!! You look so good,young,vibrant and full of fun! I think you did a great job capturing you. :)
ReplyDeleteNot only its a fabulous portrait, but also this post was a great read. :)
ReplyDeleteCrystal, you just absolutely blew my socks off [wait a minute, I'm not wearing any] Your self-portrait is wonderful beyond words! Not only have you portrayed a beautiful - inside and out - person, but you had the intestinal fortitude to do so! You have motivated me to try it. Your notes about self-portraiture is both amusing and enlightening! Thank you SO much, Crystal.
ReplyDeleteit's wonderful, and thank you for your honesty. i use my body and hair all the time for paintings, but have yet completed a self portrait. i do not like looking at my own face for that long!
ReplyDeleteim going to try it very, very soon;-)
Un beau travail que celui de l'auto-portrait mais qui demande aussi de peindre son âme... Très belle peinture Ma chère toutes mes félicitations. et je vous envoie de gros bisous.
ReplyDeleteFantastic!!! Love your hair, you look a little Meg Ryanish (When Harry Met Sally era). I'm planning on jumping in on this challenge also. Fun, Fun!!!
ReplyDeleteyour 10 list is hilarious. I laughed out loud.
ReplyDeleteis simply spectacular!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to learn, but they are light years away from your results!
Congratulations!
Ciao!
Finding artists like you is a hidden plus in these challenges!
ReplyDeleteA standout portrait! Love your blog.
Absolutely stunning, Crystal.....and, I do know how it is to paint a self-portrait. I did one in acrylic several years ago when and must say, I look pretty good, in fact I look 10 yrs. younger. Guess that's how I see myself. I guess I need new glasses, maybe!
ReplyDeleteSIMPLY AMAZING!!! LOVE, LOVE LOVE IT!! And you are beautiful!! Perfect painting.
ReplyDeleteDo you know - I have wondered in the past, that since portraits are you speciality, whether you would ever do a self-portrait?
ReplyDeleteYou must absolutely love it! It is gorgeous! Or rather, YOU are gorgeous! I love the wild hair and the glossy lips, and that expression! It seems that you have the ability of drawing a person on the inside as well as on the out. Brilliant in every way! :0D
I found your ten things you learned to be soooooo true. And I too will do another one. Yours is so fresh and has a fun energy. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteWow, Crystal- great work! It seems you learned a lot also. I haven't done a self portrait since college art- scary thought to try now!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful self portrait. You look lovely!
ReplyDeleteBrave lady! you know what's really interesting? that it looks so fresh! really great work, hope you do it again with the strong lighting from the side :)
ReplyDeletewowzers. that's really good.
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! Great post and so true! Love the portrait too!
ReplyDeleteHey, how did you manage? I've tried self portrait once (pencil), and never again. It takes me a long time to get a drawing right, and I can't hold still that long. ;)
ReplyDeleteI like that expression on your portrait! :) Beautiful eyes, mouth and hair! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteCrystal!! That portrait is GORGEOUS! You are beautiful and warm and glowing. Fab hair and I love your "love" shirt. My goodness you are a portrait master ; )) It's a fun challenge - I tried it too and I agree, IT'S HARD!
ReplyDeleteYour self portrait is wonderful. I have done many portraits but as yet never one of myself... Hmmmm
ReplyDeleteCrystal, can't decide what I love more...your self portrait or your thoughts on your self portrait...both exude a freedom of spirit and life that are quite admirable . Well done...yes fabulously done!
ReplyDeleteLoved the list - and the stunning portrait!
ReplyDeleteStunning Portrait and such an interesting post. Great reading.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful Crystal, you always amaze me with those watercolors of yours. You look marvelous.
ReplyDeleteThanks Crystal............great meeting you! I popped the subscribe on there.......thanks for pointing that out. I'm pretty new the blogging world and haven't paid much attention to the small details. Great portrait by the way :) the punk portrait is complete with the black and white long sleeve undershirt. Nice perspective also.
ReplyDeletelove it. great job and I love the goofy smiling way you produced it.
ReplyDeletegreat cyrstal ..really strong .
ReplyDeleteIts really good! Why did it take so long to come?
ReplyDeleteYou did an incredible job, Crystal. You are a beautiful girl..its not easy doing a self-portrait!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful portrait. Love the confident expression and the flowing hair.
ReplyDeleteWonderful portrait, Crystal! And I loved reading your post. I'm sitting here smiling.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful portrait of YOU Crystal. I thoroughly loved reading your points about self portrait painting and have inspired me to give it a bash. How true they are.....I very have always felt awkward even thinking about it as I have never been able to decide which is the best photo to paint!
ReplyDeleteWith renewed confidence (I think), maybe I'll give it a bash.....
It has been funny to read the text, while instructive. One time, I also ventured to paint my portrait and I know it's especially difficult. Fortunately, the model does not complain and is cheap.
ReplyDeleteYours is gorgeous, has a bright and beautiful expression. Very good!
It has been funny to read the text, while instructive. One time, I also ventured to paint my portrait and I know it's especially difficult. Fortunately, the model does not complain and is cheap.
ReplyDeleteYours is gorgeous, has a bright and beautiful expression. Very good!
Fabulous self-portrait! I always find it hard to hold a relaxed expression when doing a self-portrait....you did great!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, are you sure this is you, you look just like a young girl! Lovely painting.
ReplyDeleteLOL I love Vampire Weekend. You are an amazing artist! I am enjoying your blog. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Art @ Home!