The self-portrait is a time-honored rite of passage for artists. I have always shied away from attempting my own self-portrait, but recently I plunged in and took the challenge. Wow. A challenge indeed, and I now that I have undertaken it, I fear that I am addicted.
"Octagonal Self-Portrait"
Edward Vuillard, 1890
For me, the magic lays somewhere between a perfect likeness and a total abstraction. And it's hard to find just the right balance. I have always loved the octagonal self-portrait by Vuillard (just above). It's a series of simple shapes, not much information within each shape, but the red beard and the shape of the head leave not doubt who this is. The abstraction is more exciting to me than the faithful likeness seen in the Vuillard self-portrait below. Interestingly, these were painted just a year or so apart.
Edward Vuillard
Self-Portrait, 1888
A contemporary painter who paints stunning self-portraits is Catherine Kehoe. I could look at any of Kehoe's self-portraits for hours, and never grow tired of it. The planes in the face are so simple, and yet so deadly accurate. The color relationships tell the whole story. Here's a favorite:
Oil on Panel
I'm learning a lot by studying the work of others in this genre. My own self-portraits pictured in this post are still in flux. On some, the paint is still wet. As I look at them, I continue to make changes. I foresee lots of fun taking this project to the next level. Stay tuned--meanwhile, check out the latest effort in process below!
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