Day 362

I wish I had a fabulous story about the origin or the meaning of this self-portrait. When it comes down to it, I had a dollar bill in my hand and the idea sprung from there. Very simple.

The real story (such as it is) is the progression of the style as the drawing progressed. I pretty much knew that I'd work with acrylic for the highlights, but originally I had planned to brush on some ink for the darks. Once I began my preliminary drawing with pencil, it became clear that I'd need to use a pen for the tighter details. But once I got even further, I simply loved how the pencil looked alongside the colors of the cardboard and the pale white paint. So that became my plan as I added darker shades with a common mechanical pencil.

And obviously I stuck with it to the end...

#362 October 17, 2011,  Pencil and acrylic on cardboard
Sounds: Truth & Salvage Company, Truth & Salvage, Co,

Day 338

I recently made a self-portrait on Day 328 where I displayed my passing interest in astronomy.  While working on that particular drawing, I had the idea for this one.  One thing led to another and I didn't get to follow through with the idea until today.

I really love the questions that ponder what we really are, what our purpose is, where did we come from, how did we get here...and so on.  There is a notion suggesting that our universe could really be just a molecule in someone's fingernail...or that we could have an entire universe on our own fingertip!

#338 September 23, 2011,  Pen, ink wash, and acrylic on bristol board
Sounds:  The Civil Wars, Barton Hollow

Day 322

I was ready for something completely different today. I felt like I've been so reliant on either pencils or pens, that I've fallen into a bit of a rut with the project. So today, while my students worked on their own projects and I lamented the absence of my computer which prevented me from doing any office work, I decided to work on my self-portrait.

I discovered a small 4x4 inch wood panel that I had primed a couple months ago. So I grabbed a couple pencils and started off to work...

Wait a minute!! I thought I was trying to break out of a rut! Pencil would've created a nice effect on that surface, but it wasn't different enough.

So, I grabbed a starburst-shaped stencil that I had cut two or three years ago and a couple cans of spray paint to create a background. Then it was time for some acrylic paint . . . but no realistic colors!!

All in all, I had a lot of fun making this self-portrait. I have a thought about what it means to me personally, but after giving so much explanation yesterday, I think I'll let the image speak for itself this time...

#322 September 7, 2011,  Spray paint and acrylic on wood panel
Sounds: Butch Walker & the Black Widows, The Spade

Day 300

I still love drawing on colored paper, and I think I love it more when it's a brown paper grocery bag!

#300 August 16, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on brown paper bag
Sounds: Butch Walker,  Letters

Day 297

Music is and always has been a huge part of my life. I've always admitted to having very little actual talent or ability when it comes to making music, but I sure enjoy listening and watching it performed.

There are very few instances where I don't have sounds playing - sometimes I'm actively listening and sometimes it's merely background music, but it's almost always there. And like any true wanna-be rocker, I can spontaneously erupt with some fantastic air guitar!

#297 August 13, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on paper
Sounds:  a mix of tunes by Jeff Black

Day 295

One of my favorite meals in the world is corn on the cob and garden fresh sliced tomatoes. I had that meal tonight...

#295 Ausgust 11, 2011,  Pen and acrylic on vellum
Sounds: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Day 278

It's been awhile since I worked on a brown paper bag. My full intention was to use charcoal and conte as I have done several times during this project. But once a few preliminary scribbles were made in pencil, I knew that ink would be a much better option.

Despite the expression on my face, this drawing didn't come from a negative place. I was inspired, at least to an extent, by comic book and graphic novel illustration, which is an area that I actually know very little about, but would love to explore a lot more.

#278 July 25, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on brown paper bag

Day 275

The idea for this self-portrait came to me while I was looking at a blog featuring the work of a variety of artists. When I saw a very cartoony image of a couple characters, I knew I needed to steal that style for today!

Something that I always find very interesting about making art is the way that a piece can change as the creation process unfolds. In other words, yes, my idea came from someone else's art style, but as my artwork changed and became what it ultimately did, it was no longer stealing.  A more accurate way of saying it would be that I borrowed an idea, because my self-portrait and the original inspiration have so little in common that one would be hard-pressed to suggest that one really led to the other.

#275 July 22, 2011,  Acrylic and Sharpie marker on bristol board

Day 260

There are a couple things that influenced the appearance of today's self-portrait.

I read with great interest about the recent death of American artist Cy Twombly. Frankly, I know very little about the man and his art, but while I would never have claimed him as an influence or artistic "hero", I do find his work to be quite interesting. I've stated on numerous occasions that I love art which appears loose and aggressive, and Twombly's scribbles definitely fit into that category. Interestingly enough, while it's hard to see it in much of his work, Twombly held the classical art of the Ancient Greeks and Romans (and their successors, the artists of the Renaissance) in very high regard.

Conversely, I read an article last night that questioned the use of the word quality when judging an artwork. In other words: what exactly is quality, and who makes the decision whether anything (artwork or otherwise) meets the standard?  In most cases, quality in the visual arts is judged on the merits of the European (particularly Renaissance) model of what is good and what is not.  Obviously the art made in those cultures had a relevance to the societies that made them, but should they still be used to set the guidelines for the quality of today's art?

I found all of this fascinating.  Is today's self-portrait a quality work of art?  By many people's standards, it couldn't even be considered a self-portrait because it doesn't include my likeness.  But the aggressive marks, the use of color, and the words are all things I felt at the time I was making this artwork.  A common and probably overused phrase comes to mind: Don't judge a book by its cover.  In this instance, don't even look at the cover; just look at what's inside.

#260 July 7, 2011,  Ebony pencil and acrylic on paper

Day 243

I had a conversation with a buddy today. He's also an artist and we were discussing how difficult it is to actually make art; rather, we talked about how hard it is to squeeze art-making into our already packed schedules.

I shared with him a realization I had a few years ago, but hadn't ever actually found a way to implement it. At that time, it occurred to me that the reason I was able to be prolific with art-making while in college was because - in part - I had due dates in order to complete projects.  At the time, I actually tried to make this happen, but without any real motivation (in this case, a grade), there was nothing to keep me from altering the "due date" at my personal convenience.

As we spoke, it became clear that this entire project is - among many other things - a daily due date over a year's time.  Most of the time I look forward to making my self-portrait each day, but sometimes it truly is nothing more than an obligation.  But making the artwork available to the world each day has built in the motivation to never try to put off the completion of each day's portrait until tomorrow..or the next day...or the next.  And that has made a world of difference in my output as an artist.

#243 June 20, 2011, Charcoal and acrylic on illustration board

Day 236

It seems like I can only go a short while with quasi-realism before I return to some sort of whimsical imagery. I like to think that I don't truly have a wonky eye or that thin of a hairline (yet!), but it sure is fun to draw that way!!

#236 June 13, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on paper

Day 235

It seems like I'm experiencing a recurring theme of ebbs and flows with this project. I'll go for a couple days making drawings that I consider pretty weak, which causes me to feel the need to spend more time on the next one as a way of making it up to myself. And I really like that feeling because it tells me that ultimately this project is just for me. Any time I make a drawing that I consider sub-standard, it frustrates me and I feel like I've let myself down. And at the times when I make a self-portrait that I consider to be much better, then I feel a strong sense of satisfaction.

Don't get me wrong: I love to share my art and I love to receive feedback (especially the positive kind!), but I've reached the point in this project where I'm going more on my sheer desire to keep going - to make the best art that I can on each given day. Sometimes I am successful, and sometimes I'm not. But I continue to be amazed how each and every self-portrait in this project is an accurate representation of my state of mind when the artwork was made.

#235 June12, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on paper
Sounds: Rainmakers, Tornado

Day 232

I'll admit, this is a bit of a strange pose, but it was originally going somewhere specific.

We drove through a pretty spectacular lightning storm tonight.  I've always been fascinated by lightning, even though I was absolutely petrified of storms when I was a kid.  Tonight I saw what appeared to be lots and lots of sky to ground lightning, as well as splintered bolts dancing across the sky. 

As I drove along with Emma, I decided that tonight's self-portrait would include lightning in some way.  When I sat down to draw, I cocked my head back and planned a dark background with bolts of lightning shooting from my eyes.  Obviously the plan changed just a little once I started working...

#232 June 9, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on paper

Day 183

Over the past couple days, I have continued to include the birds, but I've noticed a change. The blackbirds haven't been appearing in an ominous way; rather, they are merely a "presence" - neither good nor bad.

It occurs to me that when a person really notices their surroundings, among other things they will usually find birds sitting on power lines. And at a distance, all birds will generally appear to be black. Today's birds seem to be very calm and perhaps thoughtful (as indicated by the thought "circles" over their heads).  The telescoping form and the lines from my eye could represent the notion of paying attention to the small details that are often overlooked.

The "house forms" are a piece of symbolism that I have really liked for years, although I can't say I remember ever using them in an artwork before.  Most people would agree that they should feel safest in their own home, surrounded by the people and objects closest to them.  As with the previous days' drawings, I chose to let this image flow and I added details as they came to mind.  Perhaps in an unconscious way, the safety of the house forms is a reaction to how the birds are generally present in a threatening way.

For the record, I really like interpreting my artworks on the spot like this!

#183 April 21, 2011,  Charcoal, acrylic, pen, and Sharpie on illustration board

Day 182

This drawing is obviously a continuation of yesterday's process. A short explanation of how it's done: I covered a piece of illustration board with common flat white latex primer. Once it dried, I added charcoal, which I then rubbed down with a paper towel so it would have a smoother appearance but would better show the texture of the brushstrokes of primer. Then I used that same primer to paint in the lighter tones. Finally, I added the finishing touches with a red marking pen.

It should be noted that this process is a little challenging because it's difficult to paint in the light areas; whereas most people are used to drawing with a dark material on a light surface, this method involves painting with a light material on a dark surface. In other words, the artist has to think in reverse. And honestly, I love the challenge!

What does it mean, you ask?!  That's a good question.  My primary goal was to create an allegory illustrating the concept that when a person speaks, they usually expect things (other people) to listen.  In this case, the main character (who is myself) is speaking to the little black birds - they are all exactly the same and they have fallen in line as they receive the message.  But the white bird appears to have hatched a thought of his own  (pun was kind of intended...), and he might either persuade the others to follow his lead or simply continue marching to the beat of his own drum.

Everything that I just said was a lie. 

I made this self-portrait, having no idea what would come next or what any of it meant.  I was simply having fun making art!  The interpretation that I provided above was simply an interpretation that I literally created on the spot while typing the rest of this blog entry.  But hey, it works!

#182 April 20, 2011,  Charcoal, acrylic, and red marking pen on illustration board

Day 181

This self-portrait was a bit of a leap for me.

Despite the fact that many of the artworks in this project might tend to suggest otherwise, I've always found it difficult to work in an abstract manner. I'm more of a realist - perhaps the better term would be literalist - and creating imagery that has no clear meaning has always been a challenge.

Then I finally took the advice that I've given to students so many times over the years:

so what. 

It doesn't matter if anyone knows what an artwork means or not (they can always come up with their own interpretations anyway).  It doesn't even matter if I don't know what my artwork means (I can always figure it out later on).  What does matter is that I am making art.

Honestly, I love today's self-portrait.  And honestly, I have no idea what it means!  Perhaps I'll come to a conclusion about an interpretation for the drawing, but for now I'll simply find contentment in the fact that I was incredibly motivated during the drawing process and that I am very pleased with the end result.

#181 April 19, 2011, Charcoal, acrylic, and red marking pen on illustration board

Day 150

I think what I'm saying in this portrait pretty much says it all:

WHAT?!?

It never ceases to amaze me how occasionally an artist can have an idea for an artwork, then make that artwork, and still have no idea what it means! Today I had a little more time to work on my self-portrait, so I decided to work in acrylic. I also decided to show myself in profile. As usual, it didn't take long for a blackbird to make an appearance.

The final element that I added was the voice balloons. Why is the bird saying "LOL"? I have no idea. That was literally the first thing that came to my mind, so I ran with it.

Personally speaking, I don't use the letters "LOL" in texts, emails, or anywhere online. I don't fault anyone who does use it, I simply choose not to. (Although I do tend to give my daughter Katey a hard time about her frequent use of it on occasion!) I don't know if I'm being a traditionalist or just a contrarian when I insist on using "HAHA" in situations when I'm making a joke or indicating that something is funny, but that's just me.

Regarding what the self-portrait means, I still have nothing...

#150 March 19, 2011,  Acrylic on wood panel
Sounds: Rodney Carrington, Morning Wood

Day 125

As I was sitting through a mindless/endless/needless work meeting today, the word "wiki" was mentioned. My colleague who was sitting next to me (a man roughly my age) remarked how we used to be the people who made fun of those who didn't know how to program their VCRs. With today's technology, WE are now those people, because neither of us really even knew what a wiki actually is!  At any rate, one thing led to another and I made a joke that I'm sure has been made countless times: what does a wiki look like?  I wonder if a wiki is anything like a Hawaiian tiki mask!  I had a pen in hand and a sheet of paper in front of me and the sketching commenced...

This is also the first time that I am showing my daily self portrait in two states.  Once again, I'm using a brown paper bag as my substrate, but this time I used ink and a brush to create the image.  I was fairly pleased with the result but I wasn't sure if it was actually finished.  So...I went ahead and scanned it.

#125 February 22, 2011,  Ink on brown paper bag (1st state)
Sounds: American Graffiti, 41 Original Hits From The Soundtrack Of American Graffiti


It was at this point that I decided the drawing was not finished.  I felt like there wasn't a strong contrast or enough "pop" to the image, so I went back in with white acrylic paint.  There's no doubt that it became a totally different and much better drawing.  NOW I'm pleased with it...

#125 February 22, 2011,  Ink and acrylic on brown paper bag (final state)
Sounds: American Graffiti, 41 Original Hits From The Soundtrack Of American Graffiti

Day 106

Today's self-portrait is a natural outgrowth of the one from yesterday. I had a great time brushing the ink, and while it was not the first time that I had used that particular medium and process, it was the first time that I had used it on a colored surface and added white for highlights.

It occurred to me that the light areas would look even better in acrylic instead of colored pencil, since the paint would actually appear brighter against the ink. I have also always enjoyed seeing these two mediums used together on a darker material. It just so happened that I had an extra piece of cardboard laying around and it worked very well for the desired effect.

#106 February 3, 2011,  Acrylic and ink on cardboard

Sounds: INXS, Kick

Day 81

I had such a great time working with acylic on the black paper with yesterday's self-portrait that I felt compelled to use it again!

When I showed this to Shana, she was immediately taken aback and described it as looking very "Picasso-y". It was a surprise to her that I would work in a style that even remotely resembled his simply because she knows how much I dislike his art.

I will say without reservation that I was not thinking about Picasso when I made this painting. I will also say that I personally don't think that it looks any more like his style than that of a multitude of other artists. But once again, personal interpretation matters. She saw certain characteristics of Picasso's art in my self-portrait, where I might have looked at those same traits and likened them to the art of Edvard Munch, or Max Beckmann, or perhaps Egon Schiele. (For the record, we're both correct...)

The gold paint is another story: I was most certainly paying tribute to one of my art heroes, Gustav Klimt...

#81 January 9, 2011,  Acrylic on paper