“I got this!” That is what I kept telling myself each day until I finally had to hit the studio to work on my Self-Portrait art journaling challenge. I put on my big girl pants and my magic apron and got to work. I decided to print a photo of myself onto watercolor paper to use as the base for my portrait. I brushed on a light coat of white acrylic paint, colored the face in a little with a flesh colored wax crayon and outlined the facial features with a black Stabilo Pencil.

I wasn’t sure what to do next so I glued down some book paper, added stenciling and stamps, more paint and lots of scribbles and marks. As I worked, I began to see something interesting emerge. My portrait began to look as if it were “drowning” below the layers. I was reminded of Ophélie by John Millai. The painting depicts Ophelia singing while floating in a river just before she drowns. The scene is described in Act IV, Scene VII of Hamlet. Lately, I have been feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, commitments and health issues.

Perhaps, subconsciously, I feel like I am drowning with the weight of all these things on me. How interesting to see these feelings “emerge” in my work. Unlike Ophélie, I will rise to the surface, take a deep breath and keep moving forward.

August Theme
Faces, the Human Form & Characters
August 29
Art Challenge: Self Portrait
Journal Prompt: Mirror Mirror

Supplies Used

Caran d'Ache Classic Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels
Stencils
Acrylic Paints, Assorted
India Ink Pad
Uhu Glue Stick
Brushes, Assorted
Gel Pens, White and Black
Stabilo Marking Pencil

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