Mod 15 Self Portrait

Inspirational Image #1

Self-Portrait in Profile

Marcel Duchamp (American (born France), Blanville 1887–1968 Neuilly-sur-Seine)

Date:  1957

Medium:  Torn and pasted paper on velvet covered paperboard

Dimensions:  13 1/4 x 9 5/8 in. (33.7 x 24.4 cm)

 

http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/210014290

  

Inspirational Image #2

Self-Portrait

Andy Warhol (American, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1928–1987 New York)

Date:  1986

Medium:  Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas

Dimensions:  80 x 80in. (203.2 x 203.2cm) 81 x 81 x 2 in. (205.7 x 205.7 x 5.1 cm) (Frame)

http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/210005165

 

Inspirational Image #3

[Portrait/Self-Portrait with Speed Graphic Camera]

Gordon H. Coster (American, Baltimore, Maryland 1906–1988)

Date:  ca. 1932

Medium:  Gelatin silver print

Dimensions:  36.8 x 30.8 cm (14 1/2 x 12 1/8 in.)

http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/190017205

 

Self-Photo

Self Portrait

 

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?

The inspirational images I selected were not typical painted images.  Each one was unique and different.  I wanted to create my image with my computer since this was an Internet based class.  These examples seemed like they aligned with a multimedia approach.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?

I choose to use my computer because this class is Internet and computer based.  I have been creating projects all semester in other media such as paint or graphite.  I wanted to finally use my computer for a project and this one allowed me to do so. 

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?

I never modified a picture like this before.  I used software on my laptop to adjust tint, sharpness, color, brightness, highlights, saturation, and temperature.  The combination of these resulted in the portrait you see.  I spent a good deal of time adjusting all these elements until I got what I wanted.  I also removed the Nike symbol from my hat.  I did not want to include any corporate images. 

4. How does this piece represent you?

You will see you can’t actually see my whole face.  This was done on purpose.  I am a bit old school.  I do not use Facebook, Twitter, or and social media sites.  I do not typically upload my pictures to the Internet.  I am a bit cautious of what might become of them.  The fact that a part of my face is blocked represents this aspect of me. 

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?

I used color, emphasis, and unity in this piece.  I stripped all real color out of the picture and left only lights and darks.  The edges of my outline are emphasized creating a hard contrast against the background.  The tones generally mingle with each other throughout the piece which creates unity. 

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?

Yes I did enjoy this project.  It gave me an opportunity to utilize my computer to create art.  We learned about digital media in this course and now I got a chance to apply it.  My family thought the picture came out good as well. 

7. What do you think of your final artwork?

The final work is a good representation of the inspirational images that I choose.  I was amazed how many different types of self-portraits there were out there.  I liked making my own because it gave me the opportunity to explore digitally enhancing software.  I had never done this before and I will use it again in the future.