Then And Now

Then

Self-portrait

2007

Charcoal

I happened to be going through old art work, and found this blast from the past. In seventh grade, the "self portrait project" was a big deal. We spent about a month drawing our grid, rough draft, tracing with the light table, shading, and writing these projects. The background is a journal of my life at the time... my interests, my best friends; I think I even wrote about how I love ice cream sundaes. I recall being beyond proud of my talents as a charcoal portraitist, and even won $50 in an art competition for it. As much as I loved it (and still do, somewhat...), I love even more how it shows my development as an artist.

What I learned in seventh grade about charcoal, and shading in general, seemed so complicated and hard to do. Now, I owe many thanks to my amazing art teacher who always pushed me to do my best and do my own work. I look at the streaky highlights in my hair, the hard edged lines of my nose, mouth, and hands, and can only think of ways to improve it. For a seventh grade standard, it's not too shabby. My hope is that you can see the improvement... :)

Now

Self-portrait

2011

Pen and acrylic

Here is my self-portrait I did at the beginning of the school year. It was an experiment based on some of Andy Warhol's early work with printing. It was kind of fun to try something new, and I enjoyed the ink drawing. I chose to draw a picture of me from prom because I felt so pretty with my dress, hair, and everything. I hadn't even chosen my theme of beauty, but I guess it relates! :)

I think I have done stronger pieces, and my work can be better than this. It was an experiment, though, and led to a lot of ideas. I like the flower ideas, too, with the words. It says "imperfection is beauty, maddness is genius, and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." Marilyn Monroe said it, and I love her, and that thought! The flowers represent my family, which are a big part of me, too.