Self Portrait....Shut
 

Hello SOGs,

This is the first of a diptych piece I'm doing for my first ever self portrait. This image is with my eyes shut. A second one (in process) will be same pose with my eyes open. This is a representational view of a couple of ideas that blended into my head awhile back.

During my heart attack 10 months ago I lost my vision for about an hour. It's rare but it happens when too much blood leaves the head and the optic nerve doesn't get enough nourishment.

The other impression was my view of the world.... at times. Even though I'm an optimist at the core.....during the past eight years there have been very big issues occur in my private life to go along with the world wide events that have taken place.

In this one it shows how sometimes I'd rather not look at the world.

Thanks for looking.

Geary


"Self Portrait....Shut" Graphite on 14x11 Bristol smooth

Very nice, Geary. You've taken it out of the realm of photorealism with the unique composition - very dynamic and interesting.

Very nice, I look forward to the other piece too! This is very effective.

Geary,

Great job, as soon as I looked at it, I could tell there was a message behind it. It works even without the story. Can't wait for the other.

Do you plan on changing the lighting to give it a different feel? You don't have to answer if you plan on surprising us. Take care.

Very powerful. I look forward to seeing the next one.

Great job, Geary!

Whoa. This made me stop and look twice. I am looking forward to the others as well!

I haven't been on the forum in a while and it was a real treat to see all of the new eye candy all of my favorite artists are uploading these days. You and everyone else - including the master Marvin himself - just get better and better with each new creation. Well done my friend!

Geary,
This is so powerful I almost sit back in my chair in reaction every time I bring the image up on my screen. And I have come back to it a few times now. I, too, can't wait to see the second piece!

Cindy: Thanks! That's exactly my personal target when creating these pieces...to make it sharp-focus real, but "painterly".

Erika: Thank you. It's in process now. ;)

Jimmie: Woah, dude, I am not worthy...Master Pencil Man! Thanks brother. The next piece (with my eyes open) is so far, looking identical to this. So, if you happen to see this diptych hanging on a wall someday as you pass by, it'll look like a two-frame-film of me just waking me up! :D

Marvin: Thank you "Master Marvin"...very much. ;)

Chris: Hey!!! Thanks. Guess what? I just bought your book, "Painting Beautiful Skin Tones....." this last weekend. Love it!

Kimberly: Then I've done my job. haha!!

Heidi: Yay...thanks for stopping by my sunny day friend. I guess all you Arizona girls are like that though, aren't you?

Patricia: Wow....thanks for that Pat. Hopefully the next one won't scare you. haha! I should find time by this weekend to finish it.

Thanks to all and your support in my efforts to find my path as an artist. I appreciate this community more and more as the days go by. The atmosphere and respect that is shown here gives one 'heart' every time. :thumbsup:

~Geary

Very nice, Geary. I hope to see this one in person sometime soon, and get to meet its subject and creator too! Are you going to the Seattle Academy of Fine Arts Draw-in this weekend?

Hi Michele!

Well....as a matter of fact, I was 'half-way' planning on it. With all the different rooms full of models and mirrors for self portraiture and stuff....it's sounds like a blast! I also was thinking of maybe being there to finish up this work-in- progress on the second part of my diptych self- portrait.

I think it's a great opportunity for the inexpensive entry fee to just get in there and do art with a bunch of folks for 12 hours!

Have you done this before?

Geary

Never been there before. I'll look for you.

Wow Geary, this is great! I too am looking forward to the eyes open!

Geary, this is such a strong and interesting drawing. I just wanted to add to what everyone is saying - I'm really looking forward to the next one.

Michele: Well....I went and stayed for about three hours starting in the morning. I really enjoyed seeing the resident artist's WIPs up on the third floor. The only thing I didn't care for at the event were the drummers. Very monotonous, very loud, very obtrusive. And, me....a drummer....can you believe it? ! :o

Elizabeth and Linda: Thanks and here's the one with eyes open.

I've also posted the Diptych on a new thread.

Thanks to all for looking.

~Geary

Such a well-rendered and haunting image. Nicely done!

If I'd seen this before going to the SAFA event I might have been able to find you, knowing what you look like a bit more. Oh well, sorry we missed each other. It was fun, wasn't it?

Michele: Hi....just heard you "chime" in while working tonight.

Yes! It was fun. I want to get more involved next time.

Darn! I wish we'd seen each other! I had my portfolio of my 11x14s with me, too!

Did you do any drawing while there? I sketched a still life while chatting with a couple people. I begged off drawing the two male nudes, but that ballerina Gary Faigin was sketching was interesting!

Well, hey....next time you're in town for a casual visit, or an "art trip" call me first and maybe my wife and I could meet you for a cup somewhere close. Like the cafe at the Frye ....maybe?

Geary

Sounds good!