Title: Self-Portrait
Medium: Graphite on Paper Size: 23 x 30cm Date: December 2016 Inspired by Chuck Close, I created a self-portrait utilizing charcoal. Value is an essential component in attempting to create an almost realistic look. Being able to produce a gradient from light to shadow is what gives the work a 3-D look. My intentions for this piece were to be able to emulate the photorealistic qualities of Chuck Close through a drawing and be able to capture as much detail as possible. |
Artist Inspiration
Artist: Chuck Close
Chuck Close is an American artist and photographer. He specializes in portraiture. Numerous of his works are huge, being well over the height of an average human being. In additions to producing huge works, Chuck is regarded as a photorealist. Numerous of his paintings contain so much excruciating detail that they almost look like photographs rather than paintings. An example of this can be seen in his work "Big Self Portrait" (seen at left). Its this use of detail that I want to imitate in my work. Chuck Close uses a great amount of gradient as he has highlights and shadows within his work that are what give his piece and almost realistic like appearance. I want to be able to emulate this utilizing charcoal rather than paints and maintain the neutral color scheme of blacks, whites, and greys. Additionally, like Chuck Close I will create a self portrait, but rather than have a straight on angle as many of his works do, I want to create a side profile in order to make my piece somewhat distinct. Research: "Walker Art Center." Chuck Close: Self-Portraits 1967-2005 -- Calendar — Walker Art Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2016. <http://www.walkerart.org/calendar/2005/chuck-close- self-portraits-1967-2005>. |
Planning
Process
|
I began by taking a photograph of a side profile of myself and then using photoshop, I laid a grid over it. I then copied this grid onto my sketch book to make my drawing more precise in dimensions. Once I had created the grid, I bagan by creating a simple, light outline of my head. Once I had a base to work from, I began adding facial features such as the eyes, mouth, and ears. Once these facial features were drawn out, I went back gave each greater value. I created shadows by shading in areas that were not exposed to light and using a white charcoal pencil highlighted other areas. This gave a sense of dimension in some areas. I worked from right to left leaving the hair as the last component. I used quick pencil strokes in order to create this portion of the drawing in order to create a sense of thin hair such as mine. additionally, using shading, I feathered out the hair to make it seem more realistic. At times I was challenged with smearing due to the charcoals easily ability to be blended. This forced me to do a lot of erasing in some areas while others left streaks that could not be removed.
|
Reflection
Once done, I felt accomplished with my piece. Although not photorealistic, it contained great detail that I had previously not been able to capture. I do have some areas I would've liked to improve. Some of the lines that outlined the face were too dark and took away from the smoothness of the face. However I also did have parts that I felt I excelled in such as the eyes which I felt contained the best blending. Overall, I like my piece and would like to create many others like it.
ACT Questions
ACT Questions:
1) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
-I emulated my inspiration in terms of subject matter, producing a self portrait, and in utilizing neutral colors and blending to create a sense of depth and realism in the work.
2) What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
-Paintings can be just as realistic as photography but paintings become more personal and challenging. Shading is how to best imitate photography.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
-When works contain a high level of shading, paintings are often mistaken as photographs due to the viewers disbelief. Additionally, the way one views themself may be contrary as to how others view one.
4) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
-Photorealism through the use of shading.
5) What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
-Artwork is not always judged on how realistic it looks but rather by its meaning, style, and technique.
1) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
-I emulated my inspiration in terms of subject matter, producing a self portrait, and in utilizing neutral colors and blending to create a sense of depth and realism in the work.
2) What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
-Paintings can be just as realistic as photography but paintings become more personal and challenging. Shading is how to best imitate photography.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
-When works contain a high level of shading, paintings are often mistaken as photographs due to the viewers disbelief. Additionally, the way one views themself may be contrary as to how others view one.
4) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
-Photorealism through the use of shading.
5) What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
-Artwork is not always judged on how realistic it looks but rather by its meaning, style, and technique.