Monday 16 December 2013

Self Portrait ll

 Oil on Board, 12 x 9 inches
Tomorrow I'm going to the ROI Paint Event evening in London, where I shall be mixing with fellow painters, to paint from three different models in front of an assembled audience.  So today I thought I would flex my painting muscles for a practise go, as I've barely painted anything for ages, let alone a PORTRAIT!  I had to paint from a somewhat unwilling and diffident model, with a rather fixed, serious gaze...

Using a mirror perched precariously on top of a paint tin on top of a shelf, resting against a pot of tall brushes, I set to, standing up, holding the brush at arms length to rough in the outline of this devilishly handsome brute.  Looking slightly upwards at my reflection avoided seeing my increasing bald patch, thus appearing to have a full head of luxurious locks.  I'm reasonably happy with the result, although I'd like to do a less serious pose of myself.  Doing anything else but a serious-looking pose of oneself is very difficult, because you have to concentrate on the painting, whilst doubling up as the model.  To switch from concentration to something else every few seconds is next to impossible.  I'd like to rig up two or three mirrors sometime in order to paint myself from a sideways-on profile, just to ring the changes.

Anyway, I look forward to tomorrow's gig, and will post my effort from the night very soon... 

11 comments:

  1. That's really great Peter, brilliant likeness - apart from the fact I never see you looking so stern! That's completely unavoidable with self portraits I've found, the look of concentration. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, should be a fun night! X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha, thanks Haidee - a friend of mine just said he needs to have a stiff drink to cheer himself up after seeing it! See you tomorrow!

      Delete
  2. Well the real you! good to see you in the raw. Lots of luck 2014

    ReplyDelete
  3. Peter I admire anyone attempting a self portrait never tried myself don,t like to look in the mirror these days but so well done though can I say you look more handsome in real life. Also can you tell me if 2014 calenders are about yet. Hope you have a brill time best wishes always Ve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah go on with you Ve! Have a go, it's fun! I'm afraid with all my new studio construction and what-not, I've completely forgotten about getting any calendars printed. I'll enquire tomorrow about it, but I fear I've missed the boat. Will let you know Ve, thank you!

      Delete
  4. Nice one, Peter - impressive. I'm always fascinated by portraits, in fact working on a self portrait at the moment (but from a photo - not recommended I suppose). Enjoy tomorrow's session.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Andrew. A photo gives a more recognisable view of yourself, being the 'right way round', but lacks the emotional content, perhaps. but at least you can adopt a more relaxed attitude!

      Delete
  5. Darls, this truly is very impressive; I love it, but there was no need to have given yourself a scraggy neck...surely after all these years in the art world you could have used a bit of artistic license there...ha ha. I have to agree with Ve though, you are definitely more handsome in the flesh, especially when I've done a bit of my OWN artistic license on those bloody curly locks of yours.
    Well done! Have a wonderful time in London, (by the way I so wanted to k*** you last night, but with all my daughters around....it was nigh on impossible...)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Scraggy? Craggy I think. You wanted to kill me last night? And me so handsome too!

      Delete
  6. Brill portrait with much of your cheeky character in the brush strokes. Hope the life study show goes well. Best regards.

    ReplyDelete

Please leave a comment !