A Self Portrait

Create a self portrait that represents where you are as a person in this moment.

The Importance of now

I have found that it is important to document the phases of life. No one is the same person they were from the beginning of their life to the end. Even a few hours can change someone. Seeing the progress and change in a person is gratifying, especially in oneself.

What shapes your person in the current moment? Not yesterday, not an hour ago, now.

For my self portrait above, I captured my current moment by the realism in the face; but, also the experimentation in the hair colors and exaggeration of the eye color. In this current time of my art making experience I haven't ventured much into finding a specific style that works especially well for me. Therefore I tend to create more realistic art, as when I stray from reality I find it hard to create boundaries of how far I should stray.

The Self of Self Portrait

Usually I am not one to create self portraits and find it more interesting to create works of other people: yet, creating a self portrait after specifically avoiding it for a while is relieving. Finally, you are able to get out whatever image you have been holding in your head of yourself. A self portrait allows you to change and warp the details you want but also preserve what makes you unique.

Experiment

Don't hold onto a specific formula while making your portrait. Try different mediums, levels of realism and stylistic elements. Show through your art your personality and humanity.

Maybe you don't want to just show your face, then it doesn't have to be just a portrait but a self piece.

For example if your extroverted right now, but maybe not all the time show in your art your current extroverted personality. This might mean painting in exaggerated bright colors, or incorporating elements of other people into your self portrait. If you are introverted and happy- possibly a wallflower- then show in your art that you are not afraid of being alone possibly with a looming darkness surrounding you.

Don't be afraid to mess up and don't hold back. The process itself will show your personality, not necessarily the end result.

Good Luck!