Design Principles - Project 1- Self Portrait

Project 1 - Self Portrait

A self portrait whether, it be a picture a drawing a painting or mixed media, as an is something that you can use to define yourself. But then again it doesn't necessarily need to represent something. It could be abstract. 

For our project 1 of design principles we had to make a self portrait. For this assignment I wanted to test my ability to paint a self portrait more in the traditional sense. But also at the same time I wanted to give this painting an unconventional touch. 

Table of Contents 
Research
Process
Final Outcome and Rationale

Research

The first thing I did after considering many mediums is doing my research on what kind of portrait I wanted to make. So i went on pinterest to look at ideas of how portrait photographs are taken that focuses on the subject and how they pause.

Figure 1.1 - Portraits Photography - 17/05/2021

Figure 1.1 - Portrait Painting - 17/05/2021

I also related to the following article for further research --> https://mymodernmet.com/famous-self-portraits/ 

Process

This article consists the world's most popular artists portraits. This gave me a the traditional input I needed when it comes to self portraits that I wanted to include in mine. This article along with the visual research on pinterest made me ready to start my project.

The first thing I did was to take a portrait picture taken of myself as a reference.

  

Figure 1.2 - Portrait Picture - 17/05/2021

After this I sketched the picture, making sure that I marked out all the highlights and shadows of where I want them to be put. Then I started the process of painting the picture

Figure 1.2 - Painting Process - 17/05/2021

Final Outcome

For this painting the medium I used was acrylic on paper. I was originally gonna use only black and white in the painting but the idea didn't feel complete to me. The pop of colors in one half of my face in the painting represents the fact that I have very less dull moments in my life whether it be happy or chaotic. Overall I feel that I am an optimist. I believe in the best of things. Though, at the same time  I am also a realist. I guess in a way this painting represents my personality. It can be interpreted in many ways. 

Figure 1.3 - Final Outcome - 17/05/2021

Dr Charles Feedback

Dr Charles mentioned that he can tell what I am trying to present in this project and overall that It is successful.

Reflection

This project was exceptionally hard for me as it took me a while to figure out which way I wanted to go with this. I worked really hard on the painting to get the essence of what I was trying to represent.  Although, I am proud of myself and happy with the final outcome of this project.