FIN 120 UNit 1 Assignment D
Portrait
Possible photos for portrait. I will also look in a mirror as I paint for reference. I experimented with taking photos by candlelight and lamp light but finally decided to go to a favourite place in the Cumberland Forest and use the shade of the trees to create an interesting image.
I am drawn to the third image with its interesting shadows. I will embrace the wrinkles on my face that are witness to my 63 years.
Once I had chosen a photo for my portrait, I added a grid to the photo. I put a wash of pale grey paint on my paper and left it to show vertical lines reminiscent of the trees (or their bark). I then put a grid on the paper using chalk and started to transfer the image.
I had a variety of tools in my collection and started off with cotton buds and my fingers for the nose and eyes, a toothbrush for the eye brows and the tips of a fork for the eye lashes. I then took a pine cone and dipped it in painted, using it to paint my hair. I was really pleased with this effect, especially since the tool came from the forest where the photo was taken.
Other tools I used in the portrait were moss, a make up sponge, a cotton rag and the wooden stick of the cotton bud. This last tool was especially useful for fine detail. The moss was very effective in toning down some areas of shade on the sweater that were too pronounced.
I found this project both challenging and enjoyable. At different times it felt like a likeness of me, then that would go away. Eventually I feel quite happy with the result. It’s not exactly me but there are strong resemblances and I love the light in the eyes and on my nose.