Day 205

This drawing is nothing like the original plan.

Granted, there was no real plan, but I had a basic idea what today's self-portrait would look like.  As I loosely sketched the entire image, I liked how the face was emerging as a simple cartoon-like version of me.  I like situations like this because I get to retain my first idea for use later on, and I also get a decent artwork to use for now.

#205 May 13, 2011,  Pen

Day 204

This image actually has roots in several different sources.

I chose to use the same materials as yesterday simply because I had such a great time making that drawing.  The combination of the sharp lines of the mechanical pen and the versatility of the ink wash make for some interesting drawings.

I have been thinking about doing a full body self-portrait for a few days, and I decided the time was now.  The concept of the dunce cap and the submissive pose came from a description that a photographer gave about one of his photos in a book I'm currently reading.  (This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx, by Nikki Sixx.)  Granted, the imagery of my drawing isn't even close to that of his photo, but I appreciated the inspiration.

I haven't decided what my facial expression represents.  My personal interpretation varies each time I look at the drawing, ranging from pouty to beaten down to soul-searching to completely self-aware.  As always, I love the fact that this drawing has multiple possible meanings.  That's the kind of art that I like to look at, and it's the kind of art that I like to make...

#204 May 12, 2011,  Pen and ink wash
Sounds: Kiss, Carnival of Souls: The Final Sessions

Day 203

This is just a bit shocking to me when I really think about it.

It took me 203 self-portraits in this series to actually make one using ink wash. This is a medium that I have loved for years, so it completely escapes me why I would wait so long. I will say, however, that its use even this time is born out of slight laziness; I didn't want to use the pen to to fill in the darkness of the blackbirds, and decided that ink wash would be much quicker. (It was.)

This was a lot of fun - there will be many more...

#203 May 11, 2011,  Ink wash and pen
Sounds: The Avett Brothers, Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions

Day 202

This self-portrait is even looser and more spontaneous than yesterday's.

After finishing some work on the computer last night, I decided to close my eyes "for just a minute". At 4:30 am, Austin woke me up and asked why I was still awake - I suppose he failed to notice that my eyes were closed and my chin was tucked into my chest!

So, this is a 4:30 am drawing. I felt like I was able to shake the sleep from my eyes just enough to create a passing likeness, and the bird sharing the outline of my forehead was an interesting touch given my state of mind when the drawing was made.

With that said, I would like to complete the next self-portrait a little earlier in the day!

#202 May 10, 2011,  Pencil

Day 201

This is another drawing made in a state of complete exhaustion. After several hours of yard work in the hot sun, pitching batting practice, and overall mental fatigue, I sat down to make today's self-portrait. It was a double whammy when I drew a complete blank regarding what the artwork would actually look like; I went from pencil to Sharpie to colored pencil and ultimately to ballpoint pen.

I will say, however, that I really like this drawing for some reason. While it's true that the proportions of my features are not accurate, the effect of the red linework is compelling to me. This is not the first drawing in this medium, it will not be the last...

#201 May 9, 2011,  Ballpoint pen
Sounds: Pearl Jam, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991-2003) (Disc 2)

Day 200

As I look back over the past 200 self-portraits, one thing that strikes me is a distinct lack of color. (That's part of why it's here today.)  A bit of an explanation: I would dearly love for each piece to be a fully realized work of art. But in reality, I simply don't have several hours each day to devote to making the artworks in this series.

Fortunately, one of the unspoken goals of this project is being met: while making an artwork each day, my drawing skills are getting better and better. I realize this sounds like an little amateurish statement, but every artist should strive to improve their skills each and every day, whether they are a hobbyist or a Michelangelo. 

I know I've mentioned this before, but something that has come as a welcome surprise is the fact that many of these self-portraits have become "sketches" for larger scale artworks.  I like the ideas that this one is giving me...

#200 May 8, 2011,  Watercolor and colored pencil
Sounds: Pearl Jam, rearviewmirror (Greatest Hits 1991-2003)

Day 199

Although it appear to be the case, this self-portrait wasn't inspired by Andy Warhol's Triple Elvis. It wasn't until the drawing was well-underway that it occured to me that there was quite a similiarity.

The best part about this artwork is not the finished product, but the circumstances that it was made under.  As seems to be the case the majority of the time, the drawing was started very late at night; everyday activities and a lack of inspiration conspired together in a way that found me sitting in front of a blank sketchpad at midnight wondering what the day's self-portrait would look like.  Taken with the fact that I was getting more and more tired with each passing minute added to the frustration of not being fnished with the day's work.

Right about this time, Austin returned from an evening out with his friends.  It would be inaccurate to say that he inspired today's drawing, because it was merely a coincidence that my idea came to me right as he arrived at home.  He sat down with me and we talked while I worked.  To say that he doesn't have a lot of interest in art-making for himself would be a bit of an understatement, but he seems to have respect for what I do with my art.  We visited a bit about drawing processes...and baseball...and cars...and friends...and life.  And before we knew it, an hour and a half had gone by and we were still talking. 

I know we probably could've gone on for hours, and that was a pretty great feeling.  This child and I spent a lot of time butting heads when he was younger, and while I would be lying if I suggested that we didn't still have those moments occasionally, I can say without a doubt that our relationship is better and stronger than ever.  And I know he feels the same way.  This is something that I would put right up there near the top of the list of things that I'm proud of in my life.

No, today's self-portrait has nothing to do with the story that accompanies it.  And that's fine; I'd rather focus on the story anyway...

#199 May 7, 2011,  Ink

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Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!

A special nod goes to my two favorite Moms:
~ To my mom, Pam Norris - thank you for raising me to be the person I am.  I have always appreciated the fact that we've always had such a great relationship.  I hope I can continue to make you proud each and every day.
~ To Shana - you are a fabulous mom to your kids and a wonderful "step-mom" to my kids.  I am so happy to be making this family with you and am proud to share our lives together.