Self Portrait....Shut

Geary Wootten · 11-30-2004, 03:11 AM

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

Cindy Procious · 11-30-2004, 11:38 AM

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

Erika Nelson · 11-30-2004, 01:08 PM

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

Jimmie Arroyo · 11-30-2004, 03:55 PM

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.

Marvin Mattelson · 11-30-2004, 04:04 PM

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

Chris Saper · 11-30-2004, 05:09 PM

Great job, Geary!

Kimberly Dow · 11-30-2004, 08:12 PM

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

Heidi Maiers · 12-01-2004, 12:33 AM

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!

Patricia Joyce · 12-01-2004, 11:32 AM

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!

Geary Wootten · 12-01-2004, 01:41 PM

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!

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.

~Geary