This dropped into my in box at exactly the right time as I have recently been contemplating painting a self portrait. Your thoughts during the process reminded me how I felt about trying to do so last time and why I have been avoiding it. The idea of time and space restraints has always appealed but my attempts at daily still life painting has always been a disappointment. I found it difficult to get over the connection between wanting a ‘finished’ piece and an exploration even when using tiny boards. Your personal connection with the sum of parts, ie the sketchbook itself, appears to have had a liberating effect, which is interesting and motivating, thank-you.
Thanks Frances, yes the sketchbook was more helpful than I thought it would be! It isn't often I work chronologically as well but think I'll start to more because being able to trace progress and starting points through the book has been useful and motivating!
We are trying to find the best way for subscribers to share images, and when we do, would love to see some of your work if you ever would like to share
Really beautiful work Rowan, and so fascinating to see it evolve and grow over time. This has been such an interesting project to read about. I tend to shy away from self-portraits for a number of reasons, but this very intriguing approach is making me think twice. I already have a sketchbook dedicated to still life, so why not try this out too? Thanks for sharing!
Thank-you, Rowan. Don’t worry about the work sharing, I am a very shy artist…love seeing yours, though. I’m trying to share a note I made on Substack. Here’s the link.
This dropped into my in box at exactly the right time as I have recently been contemplating painting a self portrait. Your thoughts during the process reminded me how I felt about trying to do so last time and why I have been avoiding it. The idea of time and space restraints has always appealed but my attempts at daily still life painting has always been a disappointment. I found it difficult to get over the connection between wanting a ‘finished’ piece and an exploration even when using tiny boards. Your personal connection with the sum of parts, ie the sketchbook itself, appears to have had a liberating effect, which is interesting and motivating, thank-you.
Thanks Frances, yes the sketchbook was more helpful than I thought it would be! It isn't often I work chronologically as well but think I'll start to more because being able to trace progress and starting points through the book has been useful and motivating!
We are trying to find the best way for subscribers to share images, and when we do, would love to see some of your work if you ever would like to share
Really beautiful work Rowan, and so fascinating to see it evolve and grow over time. This has been such an interesting project to read about. I tend to shy away from self-portraits for a number of reasons, but this very intriguing approach is making me think twice. I already have a sketchbook dedicated to still life, so why not try this out too? Thanks for sharing!
P.S. I love Helene Schjerfbeck’s work too!
Thank you Mo, there is so much tempting stuff to do and I guess we can't do it all! I'd love to hear how you get on if you do decide to have a go.
I do like the fact that once you've found the time to do something you can never take away the fact that you've then got those drawings/sketchbooks.
Thank-you, Rowan. Don’t worry about the work sharing, I am a very shy artist…love seeing yours, though. I’m trying to share a note I made on Substack. Here’s the link.
https://substack.com/@consid/note/c-48157230?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=2bejee