M.E. - a portrait of self (2)

Have been working today on the self portrait started a couple of days ago - see the next post for the initial sketch and blocking in of the background. AM really pleased with how I have ended it today although have re blocked out the eyes and mouth as they just were not 'right' and were annoying me. The joy of working with acrylic is it dries quickly and you can overpaint areas that you are unhappy with.

Will not be working on it anymore this week as am off to the pain clinic and then I will be getting ready for next weeks exhibition which has to be set up on Monday. Fortunately my neighbour is also involved in the same exhibition so we will set up together - only exhibiting some photography and one painting and cards this time so will be an easy set up I hope.

'M.E. - a portrait of self'

Yesterday I got inspired watching a documentary on Rita Angus and decided it would be a great way to end the year with a self portrait. The initial sketch is on a canvas block but because at the moment I am so ill I did it whilst in bed. Was horrified at how ill I actually looked when studying the mirror. My face is all inflamed and the eyes are all sunken with dark black rings.

Today I spent some time blocking in the background and took a photo to help with the finishing off of the portrait as do not want to paint in bed as have not found a way to do that yet that does not get paint everywhere. Tried to look a bit more cheery in the photo so the final portrait should not look so 'blah' (for want of a better word)

Am calling it 'M.E. - a self portrait' or 'M.E. - a portrait of self'