Reflections of an Artist

Self Portrait

        The last time I did a self portrait must be at least ten years ago so I thought it was time for another. At that time I only did a pencil sketch but this time I am going to attempt an oil painting.

        I decided to tackle this painting the same way I do my plein air paintings so I got out the sketch book and first did a sketch.
Self Portrait: Sketch Step 1
       The second step was doing the values on the canvas. This was relatively easy since the lights and darks where worked out on my sketch.  You can use any color that you like so I picked purple by combining Ultramarine Blue and Cadmium Red Deep. This is the same color I use to start on my landscapes.  I first do the darkest areas and then lighten with white for the mid tones.  I leave the toned canvas for the lightest.
Self Portrait: Value Sketch Step 2
       Keep watching. I will continue painting tomorrow. It will be interesting to see how my self portrait evolves.