Painterly 2-Minute Tip: Benefits of Creating a Self-Portrait

posted in: Art

Today we’ll explore Self-Portraits. I’ve done several over the years.

Some I’ve kept.

Others I’ve thrown out…

But always the experience was truly rewarding.

Here’s one that’s almost done. Definitely a sign of the times.

Self Portrait in Progress with mask

Some of you may prefer painting landscapes or still life paintings and are wondering, “Why paint them at all?”

Here are some benefits I have gained from completing them:

Spiritually:

It’s a great way to check-in with yourself.  You can’t help but go deep into your soul when you are examining yourself that closely.

Logistically:

Your only model fee is your time and you have the perfect availability.

Artistically:

I don’t know about you but this is the only type of painting I do just for me. I don’t paint them to sell. So I experiment more than I might with my other work.

You can paint from life, from a mirror, or shoot a selfie and work from that. Either way it will make you a stronger artist.

Early Self Portrait of Shannon Grissom

Check out this Painterly 2-Minute tip Video to see the portraits I have painted over the years:

Post your selfies when you are through. I’d love to see what you create!

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