Self Portrait in Watercolors

After finishing the Heron, I needed some inspiration for my next painting. I started looking at my art history books, and paintings of the old masters. Specifically the artist's self portraits.

Almost every artist, from "great masters of the Renaissance" to Modern Artists, whether he/she was known for their landscapes, still lifes, people, abstracts or something else, did some sort of self portrait.

I had done a self portrait drawing years and years ago, Looking back on it, after I just recently rented the movie "Big Eyes", I my have been somehow subconsciously channeling my inner Margaret Keane, although I knew nothing about her or her work back then. Interesting!



Drawing and painting PEOPLE has never been my strong suit. But, I did just say I wanted to try something new, although, sitting in front of a mirror, painting myself definitely does not appeal to me. Then it occurred to me... these historical artists were simply taking a selfie using the tools of the time, before cameras or more accurately cell phone cameras.

So....

Using the modern tools I have available to me, I took a selfie....

Using that selfie...Placing complimentary colors next to each other makes shadows and highlights "pop".



And here is the final result...


This is my new BRAND Profile Picture. I love it!

Wes Waugh Teaches Wet Into Wet Watercolor

I wanted to share a watercolor workshop that I enjoyed the other day. Mr. Wes Waugh painted Grandfather Mountain and explained his wet into wet technique  before the Newell Hendershot Watermedia Exhibition opening reception at Sycamore Shoals Historic Site. In less than 3 hours he created a watercolor painting start to finish. His bold color combinations and knowledge of the medium, and subject matter is inspiring.

Wes Waugh can be found on Youtube.







Wes Waugh can be found on Youtube for more educational watercolor presentations.