I'm not really sure why I painted this portrait, I imagine it was because I wanted some record of myself not looking too much like a scruff-bag.
It's painted in a rather 'primitive' fashion, showing no emotion. Rousseau, Magritte, or Le Facteur Cheval, might have influenced my approach.
So, here I am aged about 36, wearing a smart suit, striped shirt, and spotted silk tie; staring directly at the painter. I remember painting it in my bedroom at my people's home in Shropshire. Unlike most of my self portraits it is 'stiff', shows no feeling, and, I must admit, is really not very well painted.
It still hangs at home. It was not easy to photograph, And is in a bad state of repair. I think it may go back in the attic, and be replaced by something else. There's plenty of choice up there!
Cro, It's actually quite good and is a great keepsake. I always use acrylics when painting. That way they're easier to photograph. So I'm guessing that you used oils, as there's a bit of a shine there on the left.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's in oils. It might make a keepsake for the future when I'm long gone, but for the moment I think it should return to the loft.
DeleteIt captures your look that I have seen in photos.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like how I used to look, but it's really not too well executed.
DeleteThe background to the photo that is colorful and so contrasting with your character tells another story.
ReplyDeleteI often used floral backgrounds, they add another dimension.
DeleteMade me think of Dorian Gray!
ReplyDeleteWere you still living at home at 36?
Good lord no! My people were both elderly and not too able, and they asked if I would look after them in their final years; which I was happy to do. I was with them for over three years.
DeleteMy thought was as Frances said.. a Dorian Gray type portrait in the attic. It worked!
ReplyDeleteSadly it was the wrong one that aged!
DeleteI would not have recognised you! You look very smart as though dressed for a job interview.
ReplyDeleteThese days I go for the 'scruffy urchin' look.
DeleteI think it is a good portrait.
ReplyDeleteHave a look at this portrait in Fresca's blog, and follow the link about the artist....a fascinating person too..
https://gugeo.blogspot.com/2023/01/mirrors-and-chess.html
I love that painting of the girls playing chess. The colours are so rich and inviting.
DeleteAnd if you follow the link and look at her history.....still painting self portraits in her 90s....
DeleteI rather like that picture. How big is it? It's nice to see you without a beard and dressed like a fellow who is off to work in The City.
ReplyDeleteIt's about 3ft by 2.5ft. Yes, once I was reasonably smart.
DeleteI love it
ReplyDeleteThat surprises me!
DeleteIt is a treasure, hang onto it,
ReplyDeleteIn the loft?
DeleteI love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased.
DeleteI quite like it actually. I see your son Kimbo in it. Am I right?
ReplyDeleteI hope so, but he's much more distinguished looking than me.
DeleteI like your portrait. You look very corporate.
ReplyDeleteI like that. I might title it 'Corporate me'.
DeleteI like your portrait, too! I also like that style of emotionless portraiture.
ReplyDeleteIt's a style that was common pre the camera.
DeleteArt is in the mid of the beholder, not the eyes of the artist. I'd like to get to know the person behind those eyes. He looks like he has a soul so maybe the artist did a better job than he thinks he did. I'd keep it where I could see it.
ReplyDeleteIt'll stay where it is for a while, simply because it's difficult to get at.
DeleteAs an artist non extraordinaire, I actually think it is quite good.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, it isn't really. It's a bit 'thin'.
DeleteIt's easy to impress those of us with no artistic talents. Just take a bow!
DeleteIt is a lovely painting...don't hide it away.
ReplyDeleteI like this painting very much. Please don't put it back in the loft. Surely you have a place to display it. Maybe if it makes you feel self conscious (or whatever) just don't put it where it is so much on display, but I think it would be great anywhere, except the loft.
ReplyDelete