Artist Self-Portraits: Me, Myself, and I


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The self-portrait is a venerable apply within the historical past of artwork, and but, it’s a style that many artists—even portrait artists—typically overlook. These watercolorists make a powerful case for the inventive potential of the topic.

Reflecting Inward: Ali Cavanaugh

Ali Cavanaugh says that a lot of the portray she did in her teenagers and 20s was self-portraiture. “I’ve all the time painted the determine,” she says, “and at the moment in my life, it was best to color myself.” Ease and accessibility is a typical motivator for a lot of self-portraits, however there’s often extra to it than that, as Cavanaugh explains. “It was an effective way to discover feelings and ideas as I used to be determining my creative voice.”

When Cavanaugh got down to paint The Drained Multi-tasker, it had been not less than 20 years since she’d painted a self-portrait. “After I took an trustworthy look within the mirror, I used to be struck by how drained I regarded and commenced to replicate on that,” she says. “I wished to seize a honest portrait of what I actually regarded like—puffy eyes and messy braids included.”

Cavanaugh painted The Drained Multi-tasker (watercolor, 10×8) on panel, which she prefers to paper. “I just like the inflexible nature of a panel floor,” she says, “which permits for a push and pull of the paint.”

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“Your first query ought to all the time be: What’s the inspiration or motivation behind this portray? Ask your self what it’s you’re making an attempt to painting. Is it about an emotion? Are you telling a narrative? From there, work out what can be utilized to help your idea.”

—Ali Cavanaugh

Working With a Acquainted Face: Michael Holter

Michael Holter has lengthy been fascinated by portraiture and, throughout his years as an artwork pupil, he discovered the self-portrait a sensible alternative. “Within the absence of a dwell mannequin, I turned to my very own likeness—the ever-present mannequin,” he says. It was a interval of experimentation for the artist, throughout which he explored varied strategies. 

In consequence, Holter understands the educational energy within the apply, noting that self-portraiture gives artists a possibility to delve into the intricacies of facial anatomy. “There’s a sure familiarity that comes with portray one’s personal face,” he says, “a possibility to review, appropriate and apply the subtleties of human head construction. Even the straightforward morning ritual of tidying up my beard’s edges whereas shaving makes me suppose by means of the form and construction of the face.”

It’s Greek to Me (watercolor on paper, 16×13) is a latest work in a mode of portraiture that Holter presently pursues. “The composition adopts a close-cropped, intimate strategy, focusing the viewer’s consideration totally on the facial options, with much less regard for different parts,” he says.

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“Utilizing a cautious software of brushstrokes to construct facial character isn’t not like the method of sculpting. Every stroke contributes to the shape, depth and coloration of the floor, and provides layers of dimension—distinctive to watercolor.” —Michael Holter

A Likelihood to Discover: Myrna Wacknov

Myrna Wacknov started her exploration of self-portraiture in 2009, in response to a category she was instructing. “The lesson was on the top and fingers,” she says. “The style didn’t significantly intrigue me till I began doing it. Now it’s part of my common apply.” Wacknov doesn’t actually change her inventive angle when the topic is herself. “My self-portraiture isn’t actually about me,” she notes. “I’m all the time searching for fascinating methods to create expression or expressive faces.” 

Wacknov recommends that each artist create not less than one self-portrait at a while. “I’ve discovered it very liberating,” she says. “It provides you complete freedom to play with your personal picture and do no matter you need with out the fear over whether or not somebody goes to love it. You don’t must stress about getting a likeness; it doesn’t actually matter. Plus, you’re out there 24/7. Anytime you need to create a brand new picture, you may.” 

In Trying Again (watercolor and gesso, 14×16), Wacknov used gesso by means of stencils within the background. Her ongoing curiosity in textural and coloration experimentation and distortion are seen. “I’m not searching for a specific expression, simply one thing expressive,” she says. “I’ll label it afterward.”

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“Simply bounce in there and check out it. Don’t fear about what you’re going to finish up with. Begin with a very good picture to work from, and preserve an open thoughts and a prepared spirit. Consider it as a possibility to mess around, have enjoyable and discover totally different concepts.” —Myrna Wacknov

This text is excerpted from the Winter 2024 situation of Watercolor Artist

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