Module 14: Self Portrait

Inspiration Pieces

Watercolor and gouache over graphite on wove paper

Etching

Etching; only state 

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

I selected these pieces from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC due to there simple, yet, unfinished look. I wanted to mostly use my linework to capture the most detail. In these pieces I liked the shading of the two pencil ones, they created depth and realism to simple sketch like portraits.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?

The media I selected for my self-portrait was Photoshop, I enjoy photoshop and I just recently changed my major to Graphic Design so I wanted to check out what I can do in that application. 

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?

I find proportions slightly difficult, but, with Photoshop there are guides to help with that. I always struggle with finding a really great brush on Photoshop too, this was overcome by downloading more brushes, looking through them, and testing them out.

4. How does this piece represent you?

With life being so unpredictable and incomplete, I'm feeling that way too, in the picture I used of myself I had my hair in a bun and that shows the lack of motivation I feel during this quarantine. 

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?

The element of line was used the most for me in this portrait, I used the principle of proportion in the portrait as well. 

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?

I enjoyed working on this project because my favorite thing to draw is people and faces. I liked experimenting with my own style.

7. What do you think of your final artwork?

The final artwork isn't bad for being my first self-portrait, overall, I like the incomplete, abstract feel that I was hoping to convey.

Final Artwork