"CAROL 2011" daily painter original portrait © Carol Nelson Fine Art

"CAROL 2011"

I took this picture of myself holding the camera at arm's length.  The Daily Paintworks challenge this week is to paint a quirky, unusual self portrait.  I wanted to do one that was off center, cropped and very colorful.

I think I cropped it too close on the right side by cutting my eyeball in half.  Oh well, it is what it is.  I suppose some day when I'm gone, my kids will think this is great.

My husband said I took off 20 years - NOT TRUE!  I have a pair of cool glasses.  They are rimless, but are difficult to paint.  They're there and yet,not there.  I ran into those a couple times last year during my 100 portrait project.

I also think I used too much purple (can there be such a thing?) but I didn't want to redo the whole area around my eyes.  The lenses in my glasses are actually purple on the EDGE, and that doesn't show well in the photo.  They have to be viewed from just the right angle to see the purple edging.

This was a fun challenge.  See dailypaintworks.com for more self portraits.

16 comments:

Robin Schar said...

Carol I think you're too critical of your painting. My first thought when seeing it was "wow, what a great likeness that is" and also that it was so lively in color. I'm very critical of my own work too, but honestly from an outsider looking in I just don't see the problems that you pointed out. I'd be happy with it on my wall because of the expression on your face... very cheerful and the "oh-what-the-heck" attitude really shows through.

SarahBowie said...

I think it's fun and interesting as is! You certainly met the challenge. :)

Carol Blackburn said...

It's marvelous, Carol. I like when artists show the photo used. Heck, it's the only way one knows how good their painting really is. :) I have started a new blog called ALL CAROL, ALL THE TIME for anyone named Carol or a derivative thereof. A fun place to see how much our name makes us unique. If you would like to become a member just become a follower and I will send you an invitation. When you are invited you are given full rights to post to the blog as an author and can ivite other Carols to join. I'm hoping it will be a fun place. Would you like to join?

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Awesome portrait. Love your color scheme!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

I've so enjoyed your last two pieces, the lighter side of things. Love how you chose to crop your photo, it makes for a really unique perspective.

Kim Blair said...

Carol I think you did a fabulous job on your portrait! And the purple/mauve really adds to the fun perspective.
Kim

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Don't be so critical - this is an AWESOME self portrait - I think it really speaks of your personality. And I think I'll paint one that takes 20 years off, too! :)

Martha Kisling said...

Love your self portrait Carol and there can NEVER be too much purple!

Renee Brennan said...

I love all the purple Carol! As soon as I saw this portrait I knew it was you because of your 100 you did.
I might try this challenge, but have never painted a portrait before....yikes! wish me luck!

chaylife said...

I love it! I love the purple. And it does look like you--only happier. :)

Marie Flynn said...

Carol, I really like this portrait of yourself, you really got all the colors right! Really Fab!

magdalini36 said...

Ι love all this purple you have used around the eyes and glasses area, and I think the all concept is magnificent!!!(close cut half-face)
Congratulations Carol for one more time!!!

Kristen's Paintings said...

Love the orange/red/purple combo.

Carol Nelson said...

Thanks all of you for your comments. Every artist loves feedback. It took me about 2-3 hours to complete this portrait.
It would be easy for me to get back in the portrait groove. I haven't done much realism in quite a while.
It's calling me again.

Anonymous said...

Carol....I am going to poo - poo all your negatives...because this is an awesome painting...and a magnificent self portrait. Absolutely great!

Dean H. said...

A super self portrait, Carol! Really love your bold use of color.

I also like the tight crop. That is the approach I took with mine. But yours is much more successful! :)