Mirror image: How to paint a self-portrait
To begin a self portrait arrange the background in such a way as not to distract from the face itself. Think of the Van Gogh self portraits: even thinking about them most people can’t remember what was behind the face. Think of the shape of the head with the hair or hat you plan to have in the picture and be sure that there is room on the canvas or paper to include everything. Set up the lighting so that you can see the shadows that will give form to your vision. Lighting that shines in the model’s eyes will not give the shadows needed for good facial definition. Side lighting will generally do the best job for a self portrait.
Once you begin to draw, try to draw exactly what you see rather than what you wish you were seeing. It is sometimes hard to admit that the jaw line is where it is, but everyone who sees the self portrait can see what you actually look like: Make it as real as you can. Choose colors that are flattering to the complexion if you are using colors. Rich colors will wash out a pale complexion and very dark colors can swallow a very dark complexion. However you want the picture to come out, remember that the only really bad self portrait is the one you didn’t do.
Posted on September 6th, 2011 by admin
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