Questions about self portraits!

[Denart]

:)

When you're drawing a self portrait by using a mirror, would that be more considered "drawing from life" or "drawing from a photo" (I know there are no photos involved when using a mirror! It's just an example)

Also, I heard people saying that a self portrait is the most revealing and challenging artwork an artist can do. (especially from colleges!)

Any reasons/thoughts on why that is?

Thanks a lot! :^^:

[fukifino]

As far as the revealing/challenging aspect...you tend to not really see yourself as you really are. And to do a real self portait challenges you to see all your flaws, etc..but it also challenges you too look past a lot of preconcieved notions you have about the way you look.

[Denart]

thanks for the quick reply Fukifino. I can see what you mean. You tend to see a fantasy form of yourself. :nohope:

[silverslash]

not at at all

i look like this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v32/Silverslash/fc1.jpg


and i make sure i always come out that way in my self portraits.

serious..

-jose

[Hunger_Artist]

:)
I heard people saying that an SP is the most revealing and challenging artwork an artist can do.


Just doing a speedpainting doesnt really guarantee that your work will be revealing or challenging. When I paint it is more about finding the clearest and most efficient way to translate my vision (or somthing close to it) onto a canvas.

It might be better said that speedpainting offers the artist an oppertunity to challenge themselves to find a simplified answer to the visual question, and in return reveal to themselves the nature of their techniqe.

but thats just my guess!

[Denart]

No no! When I meant SP, I meant "self portrait!" sorry for the confusion man but your insight is quite interesting! ;) (it's edited now)

tyler from Fight Club.... :bashful:

[artkitty]

self portrait in a mirror is always from life. It's a little different from a photo, which flattens everything out for you.
I think likenesses in general are hard. A self portrait might seem harder since you know your own face so well.

[Denart]

self portrait in a mirror is always from life. It's a little different from a photo, which flattens everything out for you.

But your drawing from a 2D surface (the mirror) :S :O

Hmm, I'll have to really compare a photograph to an image produced on the mirror later


I think likenesses in general are hard. A self portrait might seem harder since you know your own face so well.

This is ironic, you know your face really well, but yet its harder to create a likeness due to that fact. I can see why, because you have a preconceived concept of how you THINK you look for so long.

[Neil]

You can setup multiple mirrors though to capture a "3D" view of your face if you wish so its not so 2D.

[Big-Dave]

I dont think it'd be quite the same. A photo is light being recoded through a lens onto a 2D surface, with both the lens and the transferrance distorting slightly. Mirror is a direct reflection of light which is visible, so as long as it's not a concave/convex mirror you're seeing exactly the same ligt your eyes would, it's just reflected twice instead of once (off of the image)

Also, keep in mind that when a camera takes a photograph it records one distance as in focus. When drawing from a mirror/life your eyes focus on whatever area you are looking at

[Elwell]

But your drawing from a 2D surface (the mirror) :S :O

No, you're drawing a 3D object (your self). The fact that it's being reflected in a mirror makes as little practical differance as would drawing someone through a window.

[Denart]

The fact that it's being reflected in a mirror makes as little practical differance as would drawing someone through a window.
Good comparison. Thanks. It's relieving to know that drawing from a mirror is the same as drawing from life. ;)

Thanks for the info Big Dave. informative!