Impressionist Self-Portrait

The self-portrait that I created of myself was manipulated to display impressionist tenets. I took a plain picture of myself with a blank white background and used different features in Paint to make the self-portrait look more original and impressionistic.

There were four techniques that I used to transform this picture into an impressionist self-portrait. First I created brushstroke lines similar to the ones artist like Vincent Van Gogh uses in his masterpieces. I was able to create this affect by using the paintbrush feature in Paint. I created these brushstroke lines in the clouds above my head to give the picture a harder look. Secondly, I created a multi-dot look by using the spray paint feature in Paint. In many of Claude Monet’s paintings he uses multiple dots that when from a distance form a beautiful view. When you view these paintings close up it looks just like several dots, but when you admire them from a distance the painting comes into focus. This technique helps give the painting texture. The clouds, swirls, and skin on my face are all formed with this technique. I think it helps to give the picture a more abstract, unique look that one can not view in a mirror. The swirls in the background were inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and his famous piece “Starry Night.” Vincent Van Gogh creates similar clouds and swirls in his painting to add feeling to his piece. I tried to achieve a similar effect by adding weather to my picture. The third way I incorporated impressionist techniques into my self-portrait was by adding light, but bright colors. In the background the sky is made up of bright colors that help to add to the picture. Many impressionist artist use light, but bright colors in their works to add definition and emotion into their works. I think the color that I used helps to bring out the picture and make it stand out compared to other pieces of works that were made before the 19^th century. The last technique I used was adding a little texture to the self-portrait. I achieved this technique by, once again, using the spray paint feature in Paint. By using the spray paint feature it makes the background look like it has a rough or bumpy surface if it could be touched. Impressionist artist add texture to their paintings to make it seem more realistic and that is the style I was trying to achieve.

The entire process of creating this self-portrait was done in Paint. I took a picture of myself against a white background so I would have a lot of space to add impressionist style to the picture. I started off drawing thicker brushstrokes in Paint using the paintbrush feature. Then I spray painted around these brushstrokes to add the look of texture to my picture. After I was done with the background I started to experiment with my face. I turned my hair purple and added texture to my face by using the spray paint feature. I experimented cautiously with my face because I still wanted the picture to resemble me, just not how I look when I look in the mirror.

I wanted my self-portrait to show the more adventurous side of me that is not obvious when just looking on the surface and not getting to know me. I think the purple hair symbolizes how I can be unique and try new things. The bright green eyes represent my ambition and creativity. Many people believe you can tell what someone is thinking just by looking into their eyes and I think this is right. Eyes can tell you some ones emotions and feelings. I thought it was important to emphasize the eyes so the viewer could see deeper into who I am. I made the texture on the face because I do not have perfect skin. I have always wanted clear beautiful skin, but unfortunately I always continue to have breakouts and blemishes. I decided to make my imperfections distinctive by enhancing them. I thought it was very beautiful how Frida Kahlo emphasized her uni-brow and with her imperfections made her paintings even more stunning. I wanted to use this technique to try to make my imperfections beautiful to show I am a person with flaws just like every other person on this planet. I think women are portrayed in society as flawless and this is not the reality of the matter. Singer, movie stars, and models all have flaws and those flaws can be beautiful and set that person apart from everyone else.