Art Gallery Visit #3

These self portraits are exhibited in the ROCHESTER MEMORIAL ART GALLERY.

E.E. Cummings

Jerome Myers

Alex Katz

1. Why did you select the inspiration pieces?
I chose these three pieces because I thought each one brought a different light to how self portraits can be done. E.E. Cummings is very detailed and clean, Jerome Myers is more free-handed and sketchy, and Alex Katz is more cartoon or character like.

2. Why did you select the media to create your self-portrait?
I chose just using pencil because its simple and I really like the sketch and messy lined look of drawings. I think it adds character and its not as clean cut.

3. What challenges did you face in creating your self-portrait and how did you overcome them?
I'm not a very good artist as it is but other than that I had a hard time with proportions. My head is very squished and non proportional in my portrait. So I just kind of went with it and turned it more into a messy, abstract look like Myers did in the portrait above.


4. How does this piece represent you?
I think it represents me in that it is me reflecting on myself. There are obviously some distortions and kinks that need to be worked out, just like anyone has things they need to work on with themselves, but the first step to doing that is knowing and reflecting on them.

5. What elements and principles of art did you apply in this work?
I tried to add in some shading by smudging the pencil along the areas where there was a shadow. I don't know how successful it was but I remember seeing my sister use that technique in some of her pieces.

6. Did you enjoy working on this project?
I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project. I love the hands on aspect of it and although it was hard and the ending result wasn't how I envisioned it, it's always good to get your ideas and thoughts down on paper and express some creativity once in awhile.


7. What do you think of your final artwork?
I didn't have very high expectations of it and I think the best part of it is my hair, but other than that I don't think it is very accurate. But at the same time it's my work and I know I put in the effort and really liked doing it, so therefore I think it was successful.