self-portrait

[mcknight]

Here's a self-portrait I've been working on. It's my second attempt at oil and my second attempt at doing a self-portrait (the first turned into a landscape!). Most of the remaining work involes making the hair, eye-brows and ear look real. Also I know that there is a serious anatomical problem with the upper lip that needs correcting where possible. As for the rest, I'm not sure how far to go before overdoing it. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

<img src =http://gallery.passion4art.com/members/mcknight/self.jpg>

[degreene72]

this looks good to me....i think you've done a great job. if there's a problem i can't see it.

[AggieL]

I think this is pretty nice. The face seems to jump out pretty well, but the rest seems a little flat to me. There isn't any distance between you and the background.
Other than that, good job!
April

[jioRji]

Very nice. I like the way the nose came out and the eyes.

Hmmm...another portrait artist eh?? i this a challenge???hehe http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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~jioRji~
Whispering Grounds (http://jiorji.cjb.net)

[mcknight]

Thanks degreene72, roxanne and cap. I always appreciate encouragement!

[mcknight]

Originally posted by AggieL:
I think this is pretty nice. The face seems to jump out pretty well, but the rest seems a little flat to me. There isn't any distance between you and the background.
Other than that, good job!
April

I agree. I'm going to try to establish more contrast between the face and background by darkening the background. I'll post a new image when I think I've created enough depth.

[mcknight]

Originally posted by campsart:
First of all...I don't see anything wrong with the lips. I might make very small adjustments. I would place a hint of crease (sp?) to the cheeks meeting the face from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Just a hint of shadow defining the lower left jaw line. A litle work to the ear...and THAT's IT! Notice I said a hint or a little. This piece is so gripping and captivating. Why do we always feel guilty about offering little bits of advice? Please don't overwork this pic. Even if you never touched it again...it's still a fine work. Sorry...you asked. I figured if I put my two cents in you would have to post again! Can't wait!

Thanks for the very constructive criticism. I can emphasize with your feeling of guilt but I assure you I take all criticism objectively and learn from it. I will take your comments into consideration as I progress.

[TeAnne]

Looks okay to me too, http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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I must make a piece of art everyday for my own well being.

[mcknight]

Originally posted by Excalibur:
Very cool. I would probably darken the background to give it more depth. Also, there's something with the eyes I can't figure out... they seem peircing as if to be looking right through me. Maybe tone down the whites of the eyes?



Thanks for the feedback. You're right about the need for more depth. I will darken the background as you suggest. Also I agree that the eyes are a little too white and need some toning down and colour variation.

[mcknight]

Originally posted by jioRji:
Very nice. I like the way the nose came out and the eyes.

Hmmm...another portrait artist eh?? i this a challenge???hehe http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif



Thanks! I'm not really a portrait artist but I'm working on it so this is definately a challenge. I think the biggest challenge for me is to not overwork it. I've gone too far before and the resulting frustration produced a giant glob of pure titanium white overtop my face. This became a great underpainting for a landscape.

[Dee Miles]

Looks great as it is.
But I think adding some depth and toning down the whites of the eyes is a good idea. I wouldn't have even noticed until it was mentioned but I think that can make a great piece greater. Fantastic job.

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Its better to burn out than to fade away.

[jerryW]

all I go tto go on is the tiny head! from that reference I see differences but I am not sure.
I think the chin underline (faint as it is )rises too sharply giving the illusion of a pointiness that is not there in the tinyhead.
possibly the cheeks taper down too early.
maybe the hairline on the left of the canvas is off a bit.

This is a great portrait. the colors and composition are really natural and rich.

[mcknight]

Originally posted by Dee Miles:
Looks great as it is.
But I think adding some depth and toning down the whites of the eyes is a good idea. I wouldn't have even noticed until it was mentioned but I think that can make a great piece greater. Fantastic job.



Thanks. I do intend to do those things.

[mcknight]

Originally posted by jerryW:
all I go tto go on is the tiny head! from that reference I see differences but I am not sure.
I think the chin underline (faint as it is )rises too sharply giving the illusion of a pointiness that is not there in the tinyhead.
possibly the cheeks taper down too early.
maybe the hairline on the left of the canvas is off a bit.

This is a great portrait. the colors and composition are really natural and rich.

Hi Jerry. It's amazing how different facial expressions can morph one's facial structure. The "tiny head" does look quite different because of the smile. Nevertheless there are some flaws in my depiction of myself, most of all my own self-image. I'll take a photo of myself looking more serious to reveal something a bit closer to the portrait.

[roxanne_mc]

Great job on this portrait...
bravo!!
Rox http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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[campsart]

First of all...I don't see anything wrong with the lips. I might make very small adjustments. I would place a hint of crease (sp?) to the cheeks meeting the face from the nose to the corners of the mouth. Just a hint of shadow defining the lower left jaw line. A litle work to the ear...and THAT's IT! Notice I said a hint or a little. This piece is so gripping and captivating. Why do we always feel guilty about offering little bits of advice? Please don't overwork this pic. Even if you never touched it again...it's still a fine work. Sorry...you asked. I figured if I put my two cents in you would have to post again! Can't wait!

[Excalibur]

Very cool. I would probably darken the background to give it more depth. Also, there's something with the eyes I can't figure out... they seem peircing as if to be looking right through me. Maybe tone down the whites of the eyes?

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[This message has been edited by Excalibur (edited January 23, 2001).]

[Cap]

Very good!
I have done mine in pencil.
Must try this.


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Cap/ I will paint today!

[David Acres]

Hi Dave! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif This is going to be superb! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif
Forgive me, it's prolly just me, but are the eyes positioned correctly?


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Dave Acres...
Merely a student of life!:)

'The artist is no more than a receptacle for sensations, a brain, a recording apparatus. But if it interferes, if it dares, feeble apparatus that it is, to deliberately intervene in what it should be translating, its own pettiness gets into the picture. The work becomes inferior.... Paul Cezanne...

[SueFletcher]

The colors,expression are very good. Small things that would improve it to me are a bit of a curve rather than the point on the shadow side where the nose and browline intersect; slightly more ear definition and some rounding of bottom highlights on chin.
Overall...good painting.

[cagathoc]

I want to see that self portrait that turned into a landscape! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[mcknight]

Originally posted by David Acres:
Hi Dave! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif This is going to be superb! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif
Forgive me, it's prolly just me, but are the eyes positioned correctly?



Thanks Dave! The eyes are positioned correctly... it's just that the face is positioned incorrectly http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

[mcknight]

Originally posted by SueFletcher:
The colors,expression are very good. Small things that would improve it to me are a bit of a curve rather than the point on the shadow side where the nose and browline intersect; slightly more ear definition and some rounding of bottom highlights on chin.
Overall...good painting.

Thanks for the tips, Sue. You're a great portrait painter so it's very helpful to get your feedback on this one.

[mcknight]

Originally posted by cagathoc:
I want to see that self portrait that turned into a landscape! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

The failed acrylic portrait was attempted in the fall of 1999 and the more successful landscape was completed last fall. This is probably too big for your screen but I'll post it anyway.

http://gallery.passion4art.com/members/mcknight/beach.jpg

[arteitaliana]

This is a very sensitive portrait and you are on your way to be a good portrait painter.
Apart from problems already noted, I have a problem with the lower part of the face that seems too small compared to the size of the eyes and forhead. Also "his" right side seem flat and does not have the contours that follow the facial structure (cheekbone, eyesocket, eyebrow bone) It looks like you started from the center and did eyes, nose, mouth and then drew the contour of the face around them. It is important to start from the structure and proportion of the face and then place the features correctly and interrelated with each other. Not an easy thing....Also light and dark, warm and cold are important.
This said, I love the delicate, sensitive quality of this portrait and I hope you will do a few dozen more.... http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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[bobsart]

Yep, looks like the tiny head to me....good likeness.