Self
 

I've redone this self-portrait a couple times now. I start to get worred that the stuff on my canvas is transient - I can't seem to come back to a piece without redoing the whole thing. Despite all my troubles I've learned a lot of what not to do in the process. At this point, I think I'm reasonably happy despite some nasty flaws I see now that I'm looking at the digital (the left eye looks too large and is too asymmetrical). Any other glaring problems? Any advice for overall improvement?

Hi Dave,

You've already noticed the biggest deal about this nice work, to me if you correct that everything will be okay.

You can use a good mirror to check such things on a future portrait, even while painting a self portrait, you have to use a mirror other than the first one.

It's great, Dave! Very compelling. That little bit of imperfection makes it even more interesting.

Alex

There's a few other problems I noticed too. The highlight of the left cheekbone is too low and the left cheekbone is a bit too wide. The colours around the neck look pretty crude here. This is not a very good picture of it so the colours a bit distorted.

I did periodically check with a mirror (just holding up the same mirror I look at myself with) but for some reason I didn't see these problems until I flipped the digital image.

Thansk for the advice,
Dave

Thanks Alexandra. You're comments are very much appreciated. Regarding that imperfection, do you really think it is made more interesting? If so, why? It is somethign that bothers me so I will come back to fix it....at the risk of making it less interesting :-)

Dave,

I'm editing my post because I don't think it came across the way I meant it. Yes, I really like the imperfections, I think for the same reason that Chris said so articulately below me.(Puts my verbal ramblings to shame, Chris!) But on the other hand, it is your work of art, and you've got to make the decisions on what to do with it and how far you want to take it, so don't let my opinion, or the opinions of anyone else, sway you from doing what you feel is right for you.

It's a vibrant, exciting self-portrait.

I think your portrait is honest, fresh, and very powerful. Often I think that's what characterizes work from life. There might be some sacrifice of likeness precision, but it's more than offset with the freshness. As a piece of art, I really love it the way it is.

I don't think anyone who hasn't had the experience can appreciate how difficult it is to do a self portrait from life. It's VERY hard. This has nothing at all to do with client commissioned portraits nor, IMO, should it.

As I see this work, I don't think that I could offer a critique in the way I might for a commission work.You have really stretched, Dave. Fine work.

I might suggest that you make some changes to the eyes, as you mentioned, but otherwise this is a bold, compelling and very well done painting!

I go with Chris. When i look at it, not only am i capture by the "fiery colors", but it's expression tells me to not look away from you and pay attention. In deeper sense i feel like i'm waiting for me to tell you what you're struggling to say to me, deep inside you.
A most poetic piece, resonating to what i aspire myself in my works.

Welcome Dave!
 

Dave, this is such a compelling portrait. I love your gripping gaze, and fiery, no nonsense palette. I agree with all the accoloades above, which you much deserve! I like the irregularity too. Great Painting!

Garth