Saturday 14 January 2023

Self portraits.


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!


36 comments:

  1. 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.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, 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.

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  2. It captures your look that I have seen in photos.

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    Replies
    1. It does look like how I used to look, but it's really not too well executed.

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  3. The background to the photo that is colorful and so contrasting with your character tells another story.

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    Replies
    1. I often used floral backgrounds, they add another dimension.

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  4. Made me think of Dorian Gray!
    Were you still living at home at 36?

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    Replies
    1. 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.

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  5. My thought was as Frances said.. a Dorian Gray type portrait in the attic. It worked!

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  6. I would not have recognised you! You look very smart as though dressed for a job interview.

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    Replies
    1. These days I go for the 'scruffy urchin' look.

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  7. I think it is a good portrait.
    Have 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

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    Replies
    1. I love that painting of the girls playing chess. The colours are so rich and inviting.

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    2. And if you follow the link and look at her history.....still painting self portraits in her 90s....

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  8. I 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.

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    Replies
    1. It's about 3ft by 2.5ft. Yes, once I was reasonably smart.

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  9. It is a treasure, hang onto it,

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  10. I quite like it actually. I see your son Kimbo in it. Am I right?

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    Replies
    1. I hope so, but he's much more distinguished looking than me.

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  11. I like your portrait. You look very corporate.

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    Replies
    1. I like that. I might title it 'Corporate me'.

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  12. I like your portrait, too! I also like that style of emotionless portraiture.

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    Replies
    1. It's a style that was common pre the camera.

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  13. Art 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.

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    Replies
    1. It'll stay where it is for a while, simply because it's difficult to get at.

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  14. As an artist non extraordinaire, I actually think it is quite good.

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm, it isn't really. It's a bit 'thin'.

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    2. It's easy to impress those of us with no artistic talents. Just take a bow!

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  15. It is a lovely painting...don't hide it away.

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  16. I 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.

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