Sketchy Self Portrait Thursday

I decided to join "Sketchy Self Portrait Thursday". It's a Flickr group run by Tina Mammoser. Doing a self-portrait every week sounds rather vain. But, I have to say, actually it is more an exercise in self-humiliation.

Why do artists do self-portraits? Isn't it rather vain and self-consumed?

1. I admit that there are artists who are self-consumed and vain, but also contend that it is a not a necessary condition for all artists.
2. Artists like to draw themselves because ...they will pose for themselves at a very cheap rate.
3. ...the model is available when they are available.
4. ...if it all goes horribly wrong they can keep it a secret.
5. ...if it all goes horribly wrong it's only their own feelings they hurt.

How does it feel to draw yourself?

1. When I draw myself I tend to think things like...wow, I am really looking older.
2. ...wow, my face has gotten so much rounder.
3. ...my eyes look very tired above those dark circles.
4. When I look at the drawing, I think things like...wow, you have such a long way to go to get a likeness.
5. ...you need a lot of practice girlfriend.

So, from the artist's perspective, it is not quite so much an exercise in self-love, rather more just an exercise in drawing a human face from life. But, if you don't believe me now, then we can just agree to disagree on this point. :D

Comments

[Jeanette]

I believe that self portraits are a great exercise for artists to go through regularly. What some see as narcissitic, I see as simply drawing a model at hand. How you choose to interpret that model is down to you, just as it is with any other portrait.

I like the simple lines here, they work well and give drama to the piece along with the composition. More please.

[Sydney]

Yeah, the nice thing about self portraits is the model is always available. The downside is that I tend to be more critical of my own features than I would someone elses features. Nice sketch. Thanks for the link to Sketchy Self Portrait Thursdays.

[fuzzydragons]

I've joined just haven't drawn a portrait of myself yet. I'd be like where did that pimple come from? more grey hair? :p

nice simple lines. :) its not narcissistic, it can be a great way to see how an artist's face changes over time

[rosewelty]

I agree Jeanette. Thanks, and I hope there will be more.

Sydney, I agree with that too. Your welcome, hope you join.

Jen, I saw you had joined, once those hands heal, you'll be on it like gangbusters! Yes, it is a chronicle of the aging process...hmm, maybe I shouldn't do them ;D

[Jo C]

I loved this post. Made me laugh. Thanks.......

[rosewelty]

Cheers Jo!