Self Portrait - Project #3
Title: A Different Time
Size: 7.62 cm by 7.62 cm
Medium: Acrylic Paint and Canvas
Date of completion: March 2023
Exhibition Text:
This self portrait titled "A Different Time" is an expression of my personal connection with nature as well as the changing relationships humans have developed over time with nature. I created this piece using acrylic paint and canvas that I stretched myself. Inspired by Women with Plants by Grant Wood I wanted to incorporate elements that I felt represented me and my own self expression while also sticking to the original piece's style. I created contrast between the modern clothing and elements against the background imagery of the Iowa Frontier. The background represents a way of life center in agriculture that was so significant to the time period the original piece was created in.
Size: 7.62 cm by 7.62 cm
Medium: Acrylic Paint and Canvas
Date of completion: March 2023
Exhibition Text:
This self portrait titled "A Different Time" is an expression of my personal connection with nature as well as the changing relationships humans have developed over time with nature. I created this piece using acrylic paint and canvas that I stretched myself. Inspired by Women with Plants by Grant Wood I wanted to incorporate elements that I felt represented me and my own self expression while also sticking to the original piece's style. I created contrast between the modern clothing and elements against the background imagery of the Iowa Frontier. The background represents a way of life center in agriculture that was so significant to the time period the original piece was created in.
Inspiration
This piece titled ¨Women With Plants¨ is by far one of my favorite inspiration pieces I have ever worked with. There is a very specific style and this piece is a perfect example of American Regionalism. This movement was composed of patriotic themes and was inspired by the isolationist ideology that was growing in popularity during this time. There is a clear tone of rigidity and sternness to this piece which is what I wanted to emulate in my own. Wood was able to create this tone primarily through the look on the elderly woman's face. This woman is Grant Wood ´ s mother and this piece is intended to be an expression of all that she has experienced living in the Iowa Frontier. This piece to me feels extremely cohesive and each element compliments each other in both style and color. The yellow tone throughout is significant to the overall composition of the piece and even though the sky is blue there is a yellow haze the emerges from the horizon line. This color choice is intentional by Grant Wood in order to reference the American Frontier in Iowa in which this piece is intended to depict. The details in the backround are muted and soft with few dark bold lines or edges,
Woman with Plants by Grant Wood
Planning
Planning Sketch 1 Planning Sketch 2
Process
Taking Photos:
Taking photos for this piece was much more difficult then I had anticipated and It took much longer then the photos taking process for any of my other pieces. I think this was partially due to the fact that I was trying to directly mimic the original piece by Grant Wood so I felt I had to be very precise. I had a hard time positioning myself the same way as the woman in the painting and I tried my best to replicate the stern expression on her face that is so crucial to the tone of the piece. Once I took the photos of me with the plant I realized that the photo did not have the lighting I wanted and it was not close enough for me to see all the details of my face. To make it easier for me to paint I decided to take some photos closer up so that I could get all the details and lighting correct. I also decided that I wanted to see what the piece would look like with me holding a different plant. So i then tried holding an orchid which I liked a lot better because it was upright and did not interfere with the other plant on the bottom left.
Taking photos for this piece was much more difficult then I had anticipated and It took much longer then the photos taking process for any of my other pieces. I think this was partially due to the fact that I was trying to directly mimic the original piece by Grant Wood so I felt I had to be very precise. I had a hard time positioning myself the same way as the woman in the painting and I tried my best to replicate the stern expression on her face that is so crucial to the tone of the piece. Once I took the photos of me with the plant I realized that the photo did not have the lighting I wanted and it was not close enough for me to see all the details of my face. To make it easier for me to paint I decided to take some photos closer up so that I could get all the details and lighting correct. I also decided that I wanted to see what the piece would look like with me holding a different plant. So i then tried holding an orchid which I liked a lot better because it was upright and did not interfere with the other plant on the bottom left.
Painting Process:
The first part of my process after creating my canvas was to create a yellow wash of color for the background. The entire piece contains a yellow hue that I wanted to make sure to emulate. To create the wash I mixed my yellow acrylic paint with some water and tried to apply that evenly to the entire canvas as much as possible. I then created the horizon line and began to fill in the large sections of yellow hills in the distance. These step was fairly easy since there were no small details however I took my time and tried to be meticulous in order to make sure I had the right perspective. I knew that if I warped the perspective of the horizon line my entire piece would be out of perspective.
Wash of yellow and horizon outline
Next I started painting in the sky and the left side of the background which took a very long time. Since I was using acrylic paint it was hard for me to replicate the smooth blended sky that Wood Grant was able to create. I ended up going over the sky with several coats to try an improve the ombre and make the transition of colors look as seamless as possible. While it does not look exactly the same as the original piece I am satisfied with the final result. For the left side of the background I tried to follow the same process that I had for the right. The main difficulty I had with this portion was replicating the same color tones as the other side. |
In this stage I began the finishing details of the clothing I was wearing. I decided I wanted to add some shadows throughout and I am pleased with how this turned out. It was very difficult to get the fine details of the lettering stitching on my jacket and the zipper. I also had a difficult time with proportion of the letters because based on the way the fabric lays, the letters on either side of the zipper appear to be different sizes. However I wanted to stay true to the photos I took so I decided to paint them the way they were in the pictures.
Experimentation
The decision to use acrylic paint instead of oil for this piece presented multiple challenges for me to overcome in which I had to experiment. Achieving the style of Grant Wood's piece in the background of my own was fairly simple for me however this was not true for when it came time for me to paint in the face and plant I found myself failing to replicate Grant Woods style and instead trying to overwork the medium and attempt a style that contradicted the features of acrylic paint. Originally I was going for the same smooth, flawlessly blended look but when I found this was not turning out the way I wanted I began to research other acrylic artists to see how they achieve a similar look. I found in my research that to create color gradients in skintone I could instead add shorter brushstrokes of color that overlapped one another. Through this method I began adding small brushstrokes of different shades to achieve the various shadows and highlights on my face and hands, filling in different patches one by one. I found this method of building off small strokes much more effective and was able to mimic the style of Grant Wood the best I could, within the limitations of the medium. For the plant I had a difficult time choosing which one I wanted to depict because I wanted to create contrast between the one in my piece and the one in my inspiration piece. I initially decided on an orchid because I thought it would create a tie between this piece and my previous piece titled "Orchid in the Dining Room." However I soon realized the orchid leaves would completely cover all the lettering on the left side as well as the red barn on the right. So instead I went with this yellow snake plant that I owned. In total I took photos with three different plants so this element involved a lot of experimentation. |
Critique
Similarities:
The key similarities of my piece and my inspiration piece is within their compositions. My main focus throughout the planning phase and process of making this painting was to try and replicate the elements of Grant's piece as much as possible. I feel that due to the background details and the positioning of the figures the piece both possess an almost identical composition. The striking nature of Grant's piece is created by the woman's stern expression as she gazes into the distance. I feel I was able to replicate this well through the expression I painted of my face. I felt the plant element was very influential to the composition of the piece so I made sure to include one in my own and had myself hold it in the same position as the women in Grant's painting. Both possess a yellow undertone throughout which creates unity and cohesion.
Differences:
There are differences of tone in the two pieces mainly due to the difference of clothing and color. There is much more vibrancy in the colors I used compared to the colors Grant used. I believe this does make the two pieces feel slightly different in tone causing mine to feel less dreary. The difference in clothing is also significant because the figure in my piece appears out of plant against the background creating a juxtaposition while the figure in Grant's piece appears to belong perfectly in the setting. Due to the fact that I used acrylic paint and Grant used Oil there are also differences created through brushstroke. My piece appears much less smooth and not as blended as Grant's.
The key similarities of my piece and my inspiration piece is within their compositions. My main focus throughout the planning phase and process of making this painting was to try and replicate the elements of Grant's piece as much as possible. I feel that due to the background details and the positioning of the figures the piece both possess an almost identical composition. The striking nature of Grant's piece is created by the woman's stern expression as she gazes into the distance. I feel I was able to replicate this well through the expression I painted of my face. I felt the plant element was very influential to the composition of the piece so I made sure to include one in my own and had myself hold it in the same position as the women in Grant's painting. Both possess a yellow undertone throughout which creates unity and cohesion.
Differences:
There are differences of tone in the two pieces mainly due to the difference of clothing and color. There is much more vibrancy in the colors I used compared to the colors Grant used. I believe this does make the two pieces feel slightly different in tone causing mine to feel less dreary. The difference in clothing is also significant because the figure in my piece appears out of plant against the background creating a juxtaposition while the figure in Grant's piece appears to belong perfectly in the setting. Due to the fact that I used acrylic paint and Grant used Oil there are also differences created through brushstroke. My piece appears much less smooth and not as blended as Grant's.
Reflection
For this painting my main focus was replicating the formal qualities of my inspiration piece and representing a theme of the connection between nature and humans. In regards to the formal qualities while I did feel I succeed at replicating some areas such as form and composition I felt the main discrepancies lied mostly in the difference of medium. It was challenging to create the same smooth blended sky, soft rolling hills and brush. As well as in the face where in Grant's piece the skin tones appear entirely consistent and blended with no harsh highlights or shadows. The figure in my portrait has a much harsher display of lighting and appears less blended in general. I worked very hard to provide as much consistency between my piece and my inspiration piece and overall I am still satisfied. I chose an inspiration piece that I felt already displayed elements of my theme however through the changes I made on my own piece I feel I was able to further amplify it. The contrast between my modern clothing and jewelry and the display of the American Regionalism movement is significant and suggests a distance between the figure and its natural environment. However the distance is restored in a sense through the plant the figure holds which suggests a relationship with nature that is comprised of domestication or taming. Further contrast is created in the seemingly out of place tropical plants compared to the rustic trees and autumn foliage. Provoking the viewer to question the difference between an agricultural relationship with nature compared to the owning of houseplants.
Connection to ACT
1) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
The main effect my inspiration had on my piece was in style, background elements, and composition. Since this Self Portrait involved me inserting myself into the actual scene of my inspiration piece. I wanted to be very precise when duplicating each element which primarily came back to maintaining a consistent style and perspective .
2) What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The author feels that style is the most personalized element of a piece of work and therefore the replication of a piece goes beyond just the formal elements of line form and composition.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
From the process of completing this piece I have concluded that throughout history humans have possessed deep rooted connection with nature that is centered in our very biology.
4) What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The relationship humans have with nature has changed significantly throughout human existence and historically it involved emotions of fear towards the threats nature possesses. However now this relationship has shifted dramatically towards the complete domestication and conquership of wildlife and a goal that is not centered in any give and take.
5) What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
Our connection with nature should be a symbiotic relationship involving a healthy respect of wildlife and our planet while also ethically sourcing materials and taking only the necessary resources we need.
The main effect my inspiration had on my piece was in style, background elements, and composition. Since this Self Portrait involved me inserting myself into the actual scene of my inspiration piece. I wanted to be very precise when duplicating each element which primarily came back to maintaining a consistent style and perspective .
2) What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
The author feels that style is the most personalized element of a piece of work and therefore the replication of a piece goes beyond just the formal elements of line form and composition.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
From the process of completing this piece I have concluded that throughout history humans have possessed deep rooted connection with nature that is centered in our very biology.
4) What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The relationship humans have with nature has changed significantly throughout human existence and historically it involved emotions of fear towards the threats nature possesses. However now this relationship has shifted dramatically towards the complete domestication and conquership of wildlife and a goal that is not centered in any give and take.
5) What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
Our connection with nature should be a symbiotic relationship involving a healthy respect of wildlife and our planet while also ethically sourcing materials and taking only the necessary resources we need.
APA Citations
Syed, Z. (2023, January 4). Why it matters that humans and nature are growing apart. Popular Science. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://www.popsci.com/environment/humans-nature-relationship-decline/
26, R. R. P. authorJ., 20, subhasis S., 26, R. V. R. J., 26, M. T. V. J., 11, jeevika J., 16, R. R. N. S., 25, W. M. O., 16, kumudafactocert D., 2, nandyshetty J., 1, W. K. D. F., 1, dramacool F., Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 February 1, 6, K. A. L. P. E. S. H. F., Sasural Simar Ka 2 February 6, 11, A. F., 20, D. M., 25, W. M., 2, A. D. J., Mose Chhal Kiye Jaaye July 18, … 26, V. W. P. K. M. (n.d.). Environmental topics and essays. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://you.stonybrook.edu/environment/sample-page/
26, R. R. P. authorJ., 20, subhasis S., 26, R. V. R. J., 26, M. T. V. J., 11, jeevika J., 16, R. R. N. S., 25, W. M. O., 16, kumudafactocert D., 2, nandyshetty J., 1, W. K. D. F., 1, dramacool F., Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2 February 1, 6, K. A. L. P. E. S. H. F., Sasural Simar Ka 2 February 6, 11, A. F., 20, D. M., 25, W. M., 2, A. D. J., Mose Chhal Kiye Jaaye July 18, … 26, V. W. P. K. M. (n.d.). Environmental topics and essays. Retrieved March 26, 2023, from https://you.stonybrook.edu/environment/sample-page/