From the Artist: The moment I saw the project for this month, I knew that my self-portrait would have hair like waves in an ocean. The ocean, or any large body of water, is an integral part of what it is like to be me.
I poured the hair first, and then set about painting the face, but soon realized that it would have to be done in the same technique as the hair. This was a new challenge. The mask-like quality of the face is deliberate.
From the Painting Guide: Pouring paint rather than applying it with a brush gives a fabulous quality to hair, with a sense of movement to it. (And solves that dilemma of wondering whether to paint every single strand or do hair as bunches.)
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Visible Technique: I like the contrast between the calm of the skin on the face and the wildness of the hair and neck. This, and the calm background, mean the painting technique (pouring) doesn't overwhelm the whole painting to the detriment of the subject. Ultimately a successful painting isn't about technique, it just uses it.
Background: I find the gray of the background rather somber, particularly given the intensity of the other colors. Of course, it is partly the contrast that makes them so intense. But the gray seems to contradict the liveliness of the rest of the painting. Not that I've been able to decide what color it might otherwise be...
I poured the hair first, and then set about painting the face, but soon realized that it would have to be done in the same technique as the hair. This was a new challenge. The mask-like quality of the face is deliberate.
From the Painting Guide: Pouring paint rather than applying it with a brush gives a fabulous quality to hair, with a sense of movement to it. (And solves that dilemma of wondering whether to paint every single strand or do hair as bunches.)
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Visible Technique: I like the contrast between the calm of the skin on the face and the wildness of the hair and neck. This, and the calm background, mean the painting technique (pouring) doesn't overwhelm the whole painting to the detriment of the subject. Ultimately a successful painting isn't about technique, it just uses it.
Background: I find the gray of the background rather somber, particularly given the intensity of the other colors. Of course, it is partly the contrast that makes them so intense. But the gray seems to contradict the liveliness of the rest of the painting. Not that I've been able to decide what color it might otherwise be...