They say that the best way to learn portrait painting is to do self-portraits. My problem though, is that I wear glasses and they add a level of complexity to the face. So, I was wondering what would happen if I try to paint a self-portrait without glasses, which means - painting without seeing well.
Well, in spite of having almost no resemblance, I like this portrait as a painting. This experiment forced me to work loosely and there was no risk of fiddling. I like the accidental spills of pigment, the un-softened edges and the quick suggestive brushstrokes. So, does bad vision lead to looser painting? Or... is loose painting a sign of bad vision? ;-)
10 comments:
This is a very good portrait Blaga, gorgeous light and beautiful skin tone, and I love this dreamy expression on your face...maybe there ...because you couldn't see yourself very well :-) Now, I can' really see if it looks like you because you are wearing glasses on your little photo, but I love the portrait. xx
Now there is a question! :) Maybe painting without glasses is a good idea, have to try that! I know my loose painting comes partly from not having a very steady hand for painting little details. :)
The portrait is great, Blaga! I love the strong and minimal brushstrokes!
This is a great portrait, I have yet to dare to do a portrait since I'm just learning the basics of painting. I did enjoy your comments about loose paintings and not seeing well. I didn't know my eyesight was poor until I was 20 - up til then, I thought Monet's paintings were good replicas of the world =)
Well done Blaga, to me this portrait looks fine, with nice color skin and an interesting expression. It doesn't matter if the resemblance is not perfect, next time will be surely better. Hugs!
good portrait.I like fusion in the hairs
Don't know if the fact of wearing or not glasses could bring to loose painting but , I'm sure it could help to see the tonal value.
At least when you're nearsighted, like me ;)
I think I'll try it...without glasses and see what happens. I sent a "portrait" off to my cousin I had done and she did not even begin to recognize herself done from a photo of her!!! She thought maybe it was me! LOL Maybe we both need stronger glasses?
I like the colors used in your hair here and the skin tones and shirt brush strokes! shading on face, neck. Heck, I like all of it!!!
Thank you for your nice comments, Jane! No, it does not look at all like me, the jury is unanimous on that, but I'm glad you like it!
That must be the thing, Judy, our little quirks are what creates the individual style. Thank you!
Frances, your comment made me laugh! Thank you for visiting here!
Ciao, Tito! Thank you for your nice and encouraging words. I think I will try this again some time.
Thank you, Isabelle! These bleeding spots around the hair-line kind of made sense so I let them be.
It seems that near-sightedness does have the effect you describe, Lydie. With my astigmatism I see everything blurred. So, we should simply embrace our little disadvantages and use them to our advantage!
Lynn, don't feel bad about the portrait. So far my mother has shot down every portrait I have done, even when the subject himself likes it. Ignore that criticism and keep going. Soon they will fight for a portrait from you! Thank you for your comment!
Hard work but good result...
Congratulations !
Pierre
well done blaga you ...should paint some with your glasses too ..i'm also working on self portrait at the moment .
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