Artwork: Self Portrait
Exhibition Text:
"Destruct" is an expression of my personal reality, which is expressed through color and form. There is a presence of high contrast colors used together which is black and white. This self-portrait presents myself within a static position, with an outlook view. Artworks of inspirations for the piece are Chuck Closes "Phil" and Henri Matisse's "Self-Portrait in a Stripped T-shirt". This piece does not manipulate other works.
Inspiration/Critical Investigation:
A source of inspiration for the artwork made is Chuck Close. This piece presents a portrait, within monochrome shades, which is a black and white. This photo realistic painting focuses on the elements of detail and photography. This can be seen through the intense detail within the work. There is also a presence of photography within the lighting and high and low contrasts. While the subject is the center focus, though they do not look at the viewer. Rather the direction of the on look is still forward, and the head holds a front view. This particular piece focuses on the technique of lighting and shadows in depth through the shades. As the left of the face holds darker tones, whilst the right hold the light. The clothing also follow a simple american style that the rest of the head follows in hair and facial features. This american artists overall art focus on realistic portraits of the subjects, from a photography standpoint.
Another source of inspiration for the piece was Henri Matisse, "Portrait in a Striped T-shirt". This artwork was a self portrait and had a variety of shades. Though the portrait did not focus on presenting an exact reality. This can be seen through the use of color and the brushstrokes. Though the basic body and use of lighting still does maintain a base that is connected with reality. The unique aspect of the artist is the use of brushstrokes. These are bold and thick, which can be seen in outlines of black throughout the piece. A flat brush can also be seen, as the strokes are thick. This self portrait also looks out to the viewer and is within a static pose. Though the form of the body is set at an angle which does present some interest. Another noticeable feature of this work is the built layers within the background. Overall this self portrait has a unique take on reality through the form, color and brushstrokes.
Another source of inspiration for the piece was Henri Matisse, "Portrait in a Striped T-shirt". This artwork was a self portrait and had a variety of shades. Though the portrait did not focus on presenting an exact reality. This can be seen through the use of color and the brushstrokes. Though the basic body and use of lighting still does maintain a base that is connected with reality. The unique aspect of the artist is the use of brushstrokes. These are bold and thick, which can be seen in outlines of black throughout the piece. A flat brush can also be seen, as the strokes are thick. This self portrait also looks out to the viewer and is within a static pose. Though the form of the body is set at an angle which does present some interest. Another noticeable feature of this work is the built layers within the background. Overall this self portrait has a unique take on reality through the form, color and brushstrokes.
Planning:
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Process/Techniques/Experimentation:
Process
To start the self portrait I had to initially construct a canvas, which can be seen in the first image above. The frame used was a 3 foot by 2 foot, which constructed a rectangle. This frame was then put together, and a triangle/ tee square was used in order to ensure the corners where right on each side. This would ensure and even rectangle, that was straight from all edges. Next the corners were stapled together using a staple gun. There should be at least 3 staples placed within each corner. and more may be added for security. A hammer is also used in order properly push the nails into the canvas, which provided extra security and a smooth surface. The materials used can all be seen in the first image above. Next canvas is added to the constructed frame, this is also cut down in order to cover the size ratio of the frame. Though there should be excess present, in order to allow the canvas to wrap around the corners and cover the back wooden frame also. Then this fabric is stapled to the frame, I prefer to use the side which does not have staples on it. The canvas should be stretched, whilst also securing the fabric onto the frame. This should be done in sections as you may begin with the top first or the sides. Though once you reach the final side to be stapled extra security/pull is needed to final tighten and bring the entire canvas together. Once the entire canvas is secured and stapled, more staples may be used to further stretch and create and flat and tight canvas if necessary. Next the corner are secured, this should ideal be done on the edge and not be easily visible. The corners fabric may be secured with 3 staples, after folding. Once this is complete the gesso process begins. For this particular size canvas more gesso is needed. The gesso is applied evenly in one direction with a large flat brush. Gesso is also applied to the sides and corners of the canvas. Second coat of gesso is then applied after the first coat dries, this finished two coats can be seen in image two. Next a light gray was is done by mixing a larger ratio of white with black which formed a light gray. This is then further diluted and spread by adding a light bit of water. This mixture is then applied to the canvas suing a flat brush. Just one coat is done of this color. The final background/wash can be seen within image three, seen above. Once this is complete a sketch of the portrait is drawn lightly in pencil. This will serve as a guide of placement an proportions throughout the piece.
The next step was to begin the actual painting processes of the self portrait. When painting, I divide areas into sections. As the entire piece was not developed as one. This can be seen in progress photos above. I initially began with the shadow side of the face and the eyes as my center focus. During this section of the painting, I used a size 2 round brush. I chose this brush size as it is not to small yet the tip is condense enough for this particular part. As for the eyes I was aiming to apply layers and blends within the eye and around it. This mixtures of the paints used can also bee seen within this process photo as it is developed. For this particular side, as a shadow aimed for darker tones. Similar steps are used throughout the rest of the face depending on the highlights of a section. In contrasts I just did a simple black shade of the body/shirt. While the hair was done last it was to overlap the rest of the form. This was done in layer and for sections a 1 point brush used, though for the base a 2 flat brush was used. The overall piece consists of similar shades as they are between the color black and white.
The next step was to begin the actual painting processes of the self portrait. When painting, I divide areas into sections. As the entire piece was not developed as one. This can be seen in progress photos above. I initially began with the shadow side of the face and the eyes as my center focus. During this section of the painting, I used a size 2 round brush. I chose this brush size as it is not to small yet the tip is condense enough for this particular part. As for the eyes I was aiming to apply layers and blends within the eye and around it. This mixtures of the paints used can also bee seen within this process photo as it is developed. For this particular side, as a shadow aimed for darker tones. Similar steps are used throughout the rest of the face depending on the highlights of a section. In contrasts I just did a simple black shade of the body/shirt. While the hair was done last it was to overlap the rest of the form. This was done in layer and for sections a 1 point brush used, though for the base a 2 flat brush was used. The overall piece consists of similar shades as they are between the color black and white.
Techniques
While making this particular painting an acrylic extender was helpful in some areas of this portrait. As acrylic paint does tend to dry up quickly, which can be a positive and a negative. While the extender allowed for me to better blend areas within the face, this includes the eyes, mouth and nose. This also provided as smooth transition between colors and allows more time to work with the paint. This also allowed me to apply paint without it having such a harsh tone. A little bit of this extender provide to go a long way and eventuality allowed me to work with the colors.
Reflections/ Critique |
Evaluations |
In reflection to the piece made and the process used I feel that the over piece was okay. I found it helpful to work on sections when making the piece, then taking an overall look. Though from an overall perspective at times it seemed, that pieces didn't fit. This was appearing to me in the face, as when I view it from different angles. In critique to the piece made, I could have spent more time on developing the face then it already base. This would have allowed me to achieve more detail, as due to my inspiration.
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Chuck Close's acrylic painting "Phil" served as a source of inspiration for the piece made. This particular artist focuses on photo realism, which in contrast with my piece. As Close aims for detail. Though there is a similarity in the shades of the pieces being black, white and gray scale. The medium used is also similar as the are both acrylic on canvas. the poses of the subjects also static and looking forward.
Another source of inspiration is Henri Matisse. "Self Portrait in a stripped T-shirt". This is a fauvism piece which focus less on replicating reality and rather presenting it. This is done through thick brushstrokes and bold colors. This use of color differs from my work, as there is color present. Though my use of brushstrokes is similar as they are thick, and provide an array of shades. As my painting does use limited color through there are still various tone present through highlights and shadows. Another similarity is the static pose that outlooks the viewer within the self portrait. |
Ideas
The ideas presented outline the process and basic needs of the painting. This includes tools needed to construct the canvas and prep for it. After the canvas is complete than basics for the painting are outlined. This includes a light wash for the canvas and the tools used. Next the painting will be a gray-scale and one use shades between black and white. While the corners outline the focus of the self portrait. This includes the static positioning.
While the second present the artist used for inspiration and there main elements. This is used for inspiration and further understating of the individuals work. This also outline the individual piece itself in aspects |
Experimentation
Experimentation was present when mixing the colors to be used for the painting. As various ratio amounts of black and white where used in order to achieve the proper shade. The only way get the wanted color was to experiment between mixtures. This process also allows me to see the various gray scale shades between black and white. As a layer of shades are needed in order to build depth within the painting itself. These colors were also swathed in order to see how they appear dry, as this may alter its appearance. Another factor also included the already present light gray on the background of the painting. Overall various mixtures of colors where created through experimentation for this painting.
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The hair served as a large part of the piece made due to there being so much prevalent. I dont have much experience with painting hair. Overall the hair can be complex due to there being numerous individual strands. So when painting the hair I experimented with and array of shades, and built up layers. This mostly depend on the different colors and the type of brush I used. The extender also served as helpful when painting stray strands of the hair. This allowed me to build loose hairs that were not to dark. Despite me not being able to use percison in the hair, this experimentation allowed me to build depth.
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Reflection:
In reflection to the piece made there were trials and errors present that lead to the development of my skills. The overall process of creating the canvas was a simple step that I had done previously. I have also worked with acrylic paints before, and worked on a larger scale painting. This process mainly focused on strengthening my skills in facial features and I tend to shy away from those aspects. Through this painting I worked on creating a semi realistic face shape in proportions and in form. Though the use of high contrasting colors and brushstrokes focused more on depth. This lead to a slight struggle when it came to fine details such as the hairs on eyebrows. I also did struggle on preserving the balance a face holds at an angle. As by perception the features do not lay on an exact replica. When creating the piece I also had development when painting the hair. Overall at times I did struggles with the contrast between presenting my personal reality alongside its true form.
ACT:
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
-My inspirations impacted my use of light within my work in regards to gray scale color. This also impacted the highlights of the figure, in stance and look and its impact.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
-Chuck Close in particular focuses on photo realism and highlights the shadows present within photography.
What kind of generalization and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, ect. while you researched your inspiration?
-I made generalizations on how an artist may present there figure, based on ones culture. As this can be seen through the stance and style within ones piece.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
-The central theme around my research focused on the presentation of humans on a gray scale. As this type of color mutes ones tone, though also highlights one lights.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
-When researching I made inferences on the cultural aspects f the works, in regards to the artist culture. This includes Chuck Close, as an american artist.
-My inspirations impacted my use of light within my work in regards to gray scale color. This also impacted the highlights of the figure, in stance and look and its impact.
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
-Chuck Close in particular focuses on photo realism and highlights the shadows present within photography.
What kind of generalization and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, ect. while you researched your inspiration?
-I made generalizations on how an artist may present there figure, based on ones culture. As this can be seen through the stance and style within ones piece.
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
-The central theme around my research focused on the presentation of humans on a gray scale. As this type of color mutes ones tone, though also highlights one lights.
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
-When researching I made inferences on the cultural aspects f the works, in regards to the artist culture. This includes Chuck Close, as an american artist.
Bibliography
Close, Chuck. “Phil.” Phil | Whitney Museum of American Art, whitney.org/collection/works/1425.
Hamer, Suzan. “Self Portrait in Striped T-Shirt by Henri Matisse.” Curiator, 31 Dec. 2016, curiator.com/art/henri-matisse/self-portrait-in-striped-t-shirt.
Hamer, Suzan. “Self Portrait in Striped T-Shirt by Henri Matisse.” Curiator, 31 Dec. 2016, curiator.com/art/henri-matisse/self-portrait-in-striped-t-shirt.