From the Artist: This is the third self-portrait I did for this project; the other two no one will ever see! I chose pastels because I haven't yet mastered the art of detail with this medium which helped to keep me from trying to create realism. Originally I had the eyes open and had trouble getting them from looking like "black holes" in the portrait so I opted for closed eyes. My family says the portrait bears a resemblance but looks too gripey or sad!
From the Painting Guide: I'd imagine it's a mood your family prefer not to see you in; they're rather you were happy and cheerful. Painting can be a good way to express the side of yourself the world doesn't often see, and I think even if you'd painted it with the eyes open, it'd still be a very moody painting. I see it as a portrait of someone in a quiet moment they've taken for themselves, when they're not putting on their "brave face" for the world.
In terms of eyes looking like black holes, 'cheat' and make the tones you use for your pupils and eyelashes more of a mid-tone than a dark tone, and don't make the whites too light.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Tone: Notice how this painting has a narrow range of tones, mostly mid-tone and dark, with very little light tone or highlight. This creates a strong sense of mood. And how your eye is pushed towards the facial features by the direction of the dark tones in the hair, an effect increased by the other edge of the head and hair blending into the background.
From the Painting Guide: I'd imagine it's a mood your family prefer not to see you in; they're rather you were happy and cheerful. Painting can be a good way to express the side of yourself the world doesn't often see, and I think even if you'd painted it with the eyes open, it'd still be a very moody painting. I see it as a portrait of someone in a quiet moment they've taken for themselves, when they're not putting on their "brave face" for the world.
In terms of eyes looking like black holes, 'cheat' and make the tones you use for your pupils and eyelashes more of a mid-tone than a dark tone, and don't make the whites too light.
Things to Consider When Looking at This Painting:
Tone: Notice how this painting has a narrow range of tones, mostly mid-tone and dark, with very little light tone or highlight. This creates a strong sense of mood. And how your eye is pushed towards the facial features by the direction of the dark tones in the hair, an effect increased by the other edge of the head and hair blending into the background.