I took a workshop at the TSOFA a few years back, and one of the suggestions was to try to make a self-portrait drawing using a mirror. Because every person knows themselves very well, and it’s a free life model. Well, I have to say, the model that I got sucked, because she kept moving and shifting all the time 😂 What I mean to say, it wasn’t easy!
I had a limited amount of time, so this portrait took probably 40 minutes, and I decided to hide the far eye to speed up the process. But I do like the end result. Some features turned out more exaggerated, but I think that’s what makes a good portrait.
I used sanguine to start and then sepia to add more depth to this self-portrait drawing. Then, I added some soft pastels for the highlights, and that’s it. The last time I attempted a self-portrait was in high school as an assignment, and we were told to use a photo. I think using a mirror is better, because the subject is three-dimensional. The photos are flat, but in the mirror, one sees the form. And the ability to turn and tilt actually helps to understand that form. Overall, it’s a great practice technique!
2022
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