Self-portrait
 

When I'm not able to get to open studio, I try to persuade family members to pose for me with varying luck. This (14" x 18") was done in a little under three hours when the only available model was myself. I'm posting a closeup because I can only fit part of it in the scanner, but the scanner reproduces the color a lot better than my camera.

Brava!

Love that color is doing the work to describe and turn the form in the eye-socket, under the cheekbone, and the line of the chin.

And I love that you've posted this in open studio - this is, after all, a model who will not only always show up but will never conflict with our delicate balance of mood by playing bad music, or talking too much, or talking too little.

We can come from wherever we come from and have the most diverse of backgrounds but we all have the same expression when we look in the mirror and try to paint our own mugs...love the way this painting looks...as if you drew with the brush...no apparent overworking anywhere in sight...seems like the one of those days when the brush just flows, no?

Carlos

Oh! Alex,
what beautiful colors ! ( sorry I don't have the time to write longer but I like it a lot!)

Mari--thanks! It's true that we make reliable models for ourselves. I have to admit, though, that after painting a self-portrait the boredom factor sets in and I'm ready for the challenge of a new face. Maybe that's a good thing--it prevents narcissism and gets me motivated to start asking people to pose.

Carlos--Ahh, yes, that expression. My husband calls it the "Tyng look." Believe it or not, of the two self-portraits I have done, this one had by far the better expression. I'm NOT showing the other one to anyone, believe me!

Thanks, Marina! Sorry I didn't see your post when I was typing away here. I'm glad you like the colors. That was an interesting exercise because the value on the light side of my face was all very, very similar. It was the kind of thing that would look completely one color in a photo. So I really concentrated on reading all the color changes correctly. A very informative exercise as well as a lot of fun. I was "in the zone," as Linda Brandon says.

Beautifully done Alex! So serious. . . :) Judging by your avatar, the likeness is dead on. I especially love all the color you've captured in your hair!

Thanks, Terri--

I tried to capture as much color as I can, whenever I can, in my hair!

Dear Alex,

I just love this painting! It is so you :) It's a beautiful likeness, lovely brushwork, and terrific color.

Chris, thank you for saying such nice things! I can only look in awe at your energetic and vibrant open studio creations.

Lovely, Alex! I have to laugh, because my 3 hour self-portrait is so hideous, it will never see the light of day.

My husband came home and I heard him walk into the studio and say (under his breath) "ugh." Then he said out loud - "Er, it's nice, but, looking at it makes me feel I'm in trouble. You look SO mad."

I should hang it over his desk! ;)

The Tyng Look!
 

Alex,

Great job!

Wonderful fluid painting. I don't know what the Tyng look means to your husband, but this portrait really communicates a presence behind the paint.

Thank you, Cindy and Sharon!

Sharon, you asked about the Tyng look--I think it's akin to what Cindy's husband described:

My husband wanted a portrait of me to put in his study. He said that, of the two I did from life, he liked this one better, but I think the expression on my face didn't quite match his idea of how a wife should be looking at her husband. At any rate, it's been in the closet ever since.

Beautiful and haunting
 

Alexandra,

I like the way you kept this painting simple and elegant. It is both beautiful and haunting.

Edgar

Hi Alexandra -

Very nice work - I am especially studying how you change the planes of the face with color.

Wow, Edgar! I am astounded that the portrait evoked all that for you, and honored that you would take the time for an in-depth commentary. Rather than respond point-by-point to your observations (true or false?) I will leave the questions open as I guess artists are supposed to do.

Julie, I am so pleased that you think this is worthy of study. You have just completed what I consider to be an excellent portrait head in Marvin's class. Plus I have always admired the psychological depth in your portraits.

Thank you both!

So nice, and great color as always!

Dear Alex,

Having just seen you on Saturday, I can confirm, THAT'S YOU! This is very carefully observed and painted with your consistent virtuosity. I love the hair; it is so lively and dead on.

Garth

Alex, sorry for the delay in add my voice to these praises.
I had a little something to celebrate...
Just wanted to send my love, can't think about art these days

Sorry Alex to get off topic, but CONGRATULATIONS ILARIA!!!!!

Garth

Is he yours?

I would celebrate!

Go Italy! Congratulations on winning the World Cup!

Hooray Italy! Ilaria, this is definitely something to celebrate! We can't think about art all the time!

Thanks Michele, Garth & Ilaria for your comments. You three are so accomplished--I am glad to know you (though I only know Garth in reality) and read your encouraging words.
.

And thanks Garth, Julie, Sharon, Alexandra and Mari, I miss being in Rome, yesterday there were one million people at the Circo Massimo!
We have rallied London though, you should see Trafalgar Square all green, white and red!

Ilaria

Marvelous portrait, Alex! I love everything about it, especially it's lack of "slickness" and the direct honesty in it. You have managed to avoid edginess and transmit your intensity at the same time.

Ilaria - congratulations, what a game! The victory dance by the team made me smile for hours. Could I be an honorary Italian, please?

Sure, I'll devise one of those citizenship questionnaire for you :D

Grazie, Ilaria!
And if you happen to know the goalkeeper, could you please let him know that if he wants a portrait, I will make every effort to fit him into my schedule? :exclamati

Great idea for a portrait, Linda! Go for it!

Thanks for your comments on my little piece, though it still in no way comes close to your side-lit head. I'm not even trying to come close to it. I was reminded of something Winslow Homer was quoted as saying in an article in the July/August issue of American Artist Magazine: "When you paint, try to put down exactly what you see. Whatever else you have to offer will come out anyway."