For starters, the scribbled technique and strictly frontal viewpoint are reminiscent of drawings by Alberto Giacometti. This was a conscious choice that I made; I had the idea for what this self-portrait would look like for most of the day and it was always planned to be a bit of a tribute to his work. It's not fair to say that I'm a big fan of Giacometti's work, although I do enjoy it in most respects.
The second influence in this drawing happened quite by accident. This drawing began with a loose oval shape that became the head. The more the pencil moved, the more things were added (such as the elongated neck and the iris-less dark eyes), it became clear to me that my drawing was a visual marriage of the work of Giacometti and that of one of my favorite painters, Amedeo Modigliani.
All sorts of artists - from visual artists, musicians, writers, and so on - have their own favorites or those who shape their work. For my money, I really enjoy what happens when those influences creep in organically, without any preconceived notions or planning such as I did when I borrowed from Giacometti. Modigliani's style found its way into my drawing simply because I love his work, and I am moved by his style and subject matter.
#91 January 19, 2011, Ebony pencil
Sounds: Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory
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