Julie Kessler Fine Art
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Self Portrait Project

1/30/2019

8 Comments

 
What to do when you're learning how to paint watercolor portraits, but there's no model around? Actually there's always a model handy if you've got a mirror. And that's how the Self Portrait Project was born.

I bought an inexpensive 60 page sketchbook and dedicated it to painting self portraits. The only way to become really good at something is to practice. Like all the time. So I've decided to paint one a day, or as often as life permits. 

To me self portraits are more challenging than painting someone else, because it's hard to hold the pose and concentrate on painting at the same time. It's easy to get mixed up, so that your nose is pointing one way and your chin is pointing in the other. And as much as I admire Picasso, I'm not trying to paint like him.

Anyway, I love a challenge, so here goes. At the end of this project maybe painting portraits will be a piece of cake. These are my first four efforts in the sketch book, in reverse chronological order. I'm beginning to get more comfortable with the process, and that gives me hope. 
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Self Portrait, Watercolor with White Gouache, 8x10 in
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Self Portrait, Watercolor, 8x10 in
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Self Portrait, Watercolor, 8x10 in
Picture
Self Portrait, Watercolor, 8x10 in

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8 Comments
Joan Tavolott link
1/30/2019 08:03:49 pm

It is fun to see all of these together. I've tried self portraits and it isn't easy to do...very hard to hold the pose and then you're so self critical for both the painting and your actual face. lol You did a great job! Are you doing them as a 10 minute pose or longer?

Reply
Julie
1/30/2019 08:56:40 pm

Thanks, Joan! I gave up on trying for ten minute poses for now. Decided to slow down and just do them as well as I can. And I'm actually getting faster as I get used to the medium. It's kinda bananas to work in such a large format in only ten minutes. But what the heck, I'm game. I'm sure it'll be fun trying.

Reply
Shawne link
1/30/2019 10:22:48 pm

These are great, Julie! I love how each one captures a different nuance, a different mood. Looking forward to seeing more, more, more all lined up and the evolution over time.

Reply
Julie
1/31/2019 10:13:58 am

Thanks Shawne, watching your wonderful photography series has been a big influence on me.

Reply
Ber Kadens
1/31/2019 08:19:46 am

You are so awesome, Julie. Your dedication is amazing! Your portraits are great. Doing them in watercolor takes guts! You really know how to control the medium.

Reply
Julie
1/31/2019 10:29:24 am

Hey Ber, thanks for your comment! Watercolor surely is a tricky medium, and practicing is the only way to learn, right? So far I've been working in layers, similar to the grisaille method we learned in oil painting. It's been a big help in organizing my work. Maybe I'll use a more direct method later, I dunno, we'll see.

Reply
Star Gendron
1/31/2019 09:59:46 am

Very engaging pieces. You definately are talented.

Reply
Julie
1/31/2019 10:26:45 am

Thanks for your kind words, Star! Glad to have you here.

Reply



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    Julie Painting

    Julie Kessler

    I'm a representational painter enchanted by the unique qualities of watercolor. Sometimes oils, gouache, colored pencils and other media call to me too. I started this blog to share my work and ideas about making art. Sometimes I toss other things into the mix. Such as painters I love, and art books and exhibits that inspire me. Your comments are welcome. I'd love to hear from you! 


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