The art of the self portrait

Why do we paint ourselves? Is it for purely practical reasons when  no other models are available? Is it because you don't have to worry about the model not turning up, fidgeting, being bored or falling asleep? Is it because you are in total control of the production, or at least think you are.
Is it an act of vanity or deception ? This is how I would like the world to see me, minus the warts. Or is it an act of self revelation where you expose yourself for all  to see? Are you the  actor, the egotist, the victim or loner or any combination? How do different people read different things into the painting?

Below are various self portraits I have painted over the years. I leave you to draw your own conclusions.

 

Self portrait 1972

 

 

 

Self portrait 1979

 

 

Self portrait 1994

 

 

 

Self portrait 2012

 

 

A fascinating book on this subject is " A Face to the World" written by Laura Cumming and published by Harper Press

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Worlington Movement

On Thursday, I was invited by my friend Heath Rosselli to visit her painting mentor, Rosa Branson, in London.

Both Heath and Rosa are highly successful professional artists working in the field of portraiture and charity commissions. They champion the use of traditional materials and techniques and have set up the Worlington movement to counter what they see as the appalling lack of teaching in these subjects  in present day art schools.

Rosa, now eighty, still paints for 7 hours a day. Her passion, enthusiasm and energy are truly inspiring. It was fascinating to see her vast canvasses in the flesh as we wandered round her home and studio. Disillusioned by the 5 years she spent at art school, she then studied under Dr. H. Ruhemann , chief restorer at the National Gallery in London. In order to preserve this knowledge she has written a book which is now in the process of being published.

Joining us for lunch was Prof. Michael Baum, one of Britain's leading cancer specialists and artist Israel Zohar. Mike is shortly to retire and has already taken up his interest in art, studying under Israel Z.

Over a generous  lunch, art dominated the menu as we explored the merits of traditional techniques versus reliance on technical aids and modern materials. It certainly produced some lively and entertaining discussions.