Creating a Self Portrait from a photo reference

At some time, you may find you will be asked to create a self-portrait. These are the suggestions I usually give to people if they are going to work from a photo reference.

1. Set up the portrait session as though you were going to paint someone else. Look at it from an objective point of view.

2. Have someone take a new photograph of you. It's tempting to want to use your favorite photo from a past event. I know, I was 20 pounds lighter some years ago and high school photos looked pretty tempting to me. However, this is your chance to create something new.

3. Take special care and consideration with the lighting and the environment around you.

4. Review the first set of photos with your photographer (in my case, my husband). Will any of them work for you? If not, make some changes.

This self-portrait was created four years ago, in watercolor. I had the photo taken in my living room and I liked the look of the drapes. I chose to be photographed with the book because reading is very important to me.

Why am I looking off and down to the bottom right? Because that gave my jaw the most flattering angle.

I plan to do another self-portrait by the end of the year. I'll be sure to post it!

Fixing an error in Watercolor

One of the things hear most often when visitors enter my studio is how hard it is to make changes with watercolor. It's true, there are limitations. However,  I think watercolor can be more forgiving than most people give credit.

After I drew in the proportions, I put down a light watercolor wash. I noticed then, that the left eye was too high. (I tend to notice proportions when value is used - in this case, watercolor).

After the area was completely dry, I used a brush for acrylic paints, and scrubbed out the left eye completely. I use a reverse motion, opposite then laying down the paint. How much your scrubbing will accomplish depends on the type of paper you are using, and if your paint it staining or not.

Again, after this area dried completely, I was able to render the eye in the correct location, and once subsequent washes were layered in, there was no trace of the original.

 I will post the completed portrait soon. Be sure to check back!