How to Stage a Self Portrait
When you look at the body of work from master artists, you'll see a lot of common subjects including landscapes, still lifes and self-portraits. The first two are popular because they are there and can be stared at for hours--and provided the light doesn't change dramatically--can be worked on for long periods of time without issue. If an artist wants to paint people, however, he needs to have a model. Models can be expensive, need breaks and eventually want to go home no matter how late the artist wants to paint. Since the artist is always there, if she is also the model, there's no conflict. Here is how to stage a self-portrait.
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Things You'll Need
- Large mirror
- Easel or drawing board
- Lamps or spotlights
- Props
- Art supplies
- Camera
Instructions
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Arrange your easel in front of a mirror, or if you have a free-standing mirror available, vice versa. Yes, it's possible to take a picture and paint from that, but painting from life will give you better results while also allowing you to make subtle subject changes without having to reshoot. For drawing on an art board you can prop it up on the bathroom counter, if that's your impromptu studio, or set a vanity mirror on the table where you usually work.
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Sketch various angles of your head and shoulders while at the easel to find the most interesting one to paint. A straight-on view isn't very interesting compared to a 3/4 turn, a tilted head or a combination of the two.
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Create shadows by adding or blocking light in the room. In a bathroom the light can be harsh, so try unscrewing a bulb or blocking some of the light if at all possible. Adding clamp lamps around you can cast interesting shadows that will make for a deeper composition.
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Try out various background elements like plants or bookcases to add a sense of place to your portrait. If all you have room for is the wall behind you, tack up some fabric gathered in places to create folds and drapes to add visual interest.
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Pick an expression that is easy to hold, but not black. There's a reason why most portraits aren't smiling broadly--the model's cheeks would be hurting after just a little while. Keep your face somewhat relaxed and use positioning to convey emotion.
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Take reference shots of your chosen pose to be able to touch things up later on and remind you of your exact pose if you take a break mid-portrait. This is especially useful for those who are laying down the basics in a bathroom and can't very well leave their easel set up in such a small space.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid sitting down while you work; it leads to a slouching model, and therefore, a slouching composition. If you must sit, be very conscious of your posture.
