Portraits

My portrait work began in college during an art class that at one point focused on the work and concepts of American artist Chuck Close who became known for creating self-portraits. I found the process of doing a self-portrait to be very therapeutic and a unique escape from the outside world. I would go into the art studio almost each evening, turn on some music and go to work. I enjoyed that first self-portrait so much that I decided to carry on the concepts behind the portrait and try my hand at children and household pets.

The Concepts

These particular portraits that I create have elements of Pointillism and to a certain degree, an element of Cubism. My portraits are not meant to be the exact replica of the subject being painted. They are more focused on capturing a unique quality about the subject. I incorporate Pointillism by using shapes that are characteristic to the subject to break up the image and allow the eye to blend the colors together. Shapes are chosen based on the subject’s personality or interests. Artists that have made Pointillism noticeable would be Seurat and Signac. Check out some of their works to get an idea of this concept.

The Process

I work from a photograph of my subject. I choose a photo that has a distinct focus on the face and a simple background. I then use a pen to grid the photograph with ½ inch squares which will then be reproduced on a larger scale. I use Arches black paper for the portrait and a white pencil to draw the grid and contour lines for the subject. A shape is then chosen to reoccur throughout each square from the grid. Once the map is laid out, I can begin working with my chalk pastels to find suitable color combinations for the subject.

Photo Gallery

Self-Portrait	Ella	Sisters