Sunday, November 6, 2011

I attempted...

I attempted to paint a self portrait... And it didn't work. Whenever I try to put the lines and dark circles where they are supposed to be, they turn out too harsh and completely unnatural. 
Still, it was interesting to paint because I experimented. I wanted to paint on a base of gold gesso, which I don't have, so I painted a layer of gold and transparent gesso over it. I used burnt sienna, raw umber, titan buff, white and a touch of red for skin colors and it was interesting to see how they look on top of a warm gold background. I left a lot of gold showing through.
Is it still considered a self-portrait if it looks nothing like me?
Have a great week!

16 comments:

  1. Ooh I love the effect of the gold. Beautifully done! I don't know about the portrait title but I notice that there is alway a little bit of me in every girlie I do.
    Jessi xox

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  2. I think it counts! I especially love her eyes and hair.

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  3. I like it! I think it can still be considered a self portrait if it FEELS like you. Know what I mean? :)

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  4. I love what you do! Do you ever have on line classes on drawing/

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  5. love it, as always, and YES- it's a self- portrait whether it looks just like you or not. the essence is what makes it you, lovely zorana!

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  6. wow i wish I could do a self portrait that doesnt look like me, but is great....just great

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  7. I think it actually does look a little like you! I agree with everyone else....it doesn't have to look like you exactly to be a self-portrait.

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  8. I think you did a wonderful job on the dark lines--it's a really good painting!

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  9. It is a beautiful face of a woman.
    Does it really matter if it is not you?

    The effect of the gold is beautiful and so are the warm colors.

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  10. I'm no portrait painter, but I think this turned out wonderfully. I'm with you on wanting to try the gold gesso, great improv on this though!

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  11. It is a self portrait - it's of you. It's a great art work - I love the colours - it has a simple feel about it, but there is an intensity to it as well, that makes you linger just that bit longer - trying to understand - perhaps the artist?

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  12. But she does looks like you, it is you. I like warm colors you've chosen for this painting. Makes you glow like a star, warming our days.

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  13. If this is a failed self portrait I look forward to seeing the successful one. To me it's lovely, but I paint with words and can only offer my gut impression, which is one I trust.

    I'm new to your blog and pleased to meet you.

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  14. You are missed, hope your well and or things well with you. thinking of you with the best of thoughts.

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  15. What it looks like, who it resembles, is all in the eye of the beholder. And you the portrait artist are not perhaps the best judge of this, resemblance that is, but your other judgements are remarkable. This to me is a lovely portrait of a beautiful young woman.

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  16. Self inspired portrait :)
    The color palette is beautiful...very warm and friendly...so I'd say that part of yourself came through, for sure!

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