One of the first assignments that I always give to my students is to produce a self portrait. This seems like a fairly benign assignment, simply get a mirror and paint yourself. But the ability of the artist to see the truth is never more starkly realized when challenged to paint herself. Do you paint yourself as you appear to yourself?, as you appear to others?, as you would like to appear?, or to some more abstract truth as to how you feel, or how you live your life? This challenge is one of the greatest hurdles that artists throughout the centuries have wrestled with. In this age of Social Media how we depict and present ourselves as artists is more relevant than ever. Below is a brief survey of how some of Art Histories greatest artists depicted themselves. This is Art History’s profile pictures. What does each self portrait say about the artist and how they perceive themselves, and wish to be perceived by others?  Enjoy.
 Frida Khalo
 Edvard Munch
 Edward Hopper
 Eric Fischl
 Albrecht Durer
 Andy Warhol
 Paul Cezanne
 Chuck Close
 Ernst Kirchner
Eugene Delacroix
 Oskar Kokoschka
Lucian Freud
 Rembrandt
 William Bouguereau
Henri Matisse
Piet Mondrian
 Alice Neel
 Pablo Picasso
 Lawrence Alma Tadema
Cindy Sherman
 Caravaggio
 Vincent Van Gogh
James Whistler
NC Wyeth
The eye of the artist is most challenged when forced to look inward upon himself. If you have not painted a self portrait, I encourage you to do as many of the great masters of the past have done, and try to paint yourself honestly, its harder than it looks.
Remember that Nov. 1st is Self Portrait Day. Check out the facebook page:
Author/Illustrator of the best selling Dracopedia book series, as well as illustrator of over 3000 illustrations for the gaming and publishing business, William O'Connor's 20 year career has allowed him to work with such companies as: Wizards of the Coast, Impact Books, Blizzard Entertainment, WhiteWolf/CCP, Lucas Films, Activision and many more.
A winner of over 30 industry awards for artistic excellence including 6 contributions to Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantasy Art and 8 Chesley nominations, William has taught and lectured around the country about his unique and varied artwork.
The Alice Neel makes me crack up every time I see it. Its like you just walked in on her painting in the nude and she's saying “What? You never saw a fat old woman painting in the nude before, get over it!”
The Alice Neel makes me crack up every time I see it. Its like you just walked in on her painting in the nude and she's saying “What? You never saw a fat old woman painting in the nude before, get over it!”
Mark WilliamsonMoCCA Art Fest 2025Donato, this is fantastic! It's always a treat to hear about your involvement in MoCCA Fest, and your enthusiasm for the event is palpable. The glimps…
udyamon15 Types of Compositionood web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has bee…
nico kopfon“Nettle Warlock” UnderPainting ProcessThis is fantastic, Justin! Thank you for showcasing this method and looking forward to the next step/article.
TambraonThe Idea BattleVery good point. Thanks for sharing. I always look forward to your articles.
Odd Nerdrum:
http://bp0.blogger.com/_FfIptm6ryFk/Ru6QnOKkSTI/AAAAAAAAAM8/8T1NDMXt0hw/s1600-h/selfportrait+odd+nerdrum.jpg
http://img.listen.no/copper/albums/userpics/edsvik_nerdrum_37__Skattens_mynt.jpg
Jacek Malczewski:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Lwowska_Galeria_Sztuki_-_Jacek_Malczewski_-_Self-Portrait_with_Muse.jpg
http://www.the-athenaeum.org/art/display_image.php?id=193528
My oil painting course teacher challenged me to do a self portrait last week, and I was surprised at how intimidated I was by the idea.
Some really nice ones here. I'm gonna go with the Alice Neel, Caravaggio, and the Van Gogh for my favorites.
Excellent additions….
Excellent additions….
The Alice Neel makes me crack up every time I see it. Its like you just walked in on her painting in the nude and she's saying “What? You never saw a fat old woman painting in the nude before, get over it!”
The Alice Neel makes me crack up every time I see it. Its like you just walked in on her painting in the nude and she's saying “What? You never saw a fat old woman painting in the nude before, get over it!”
Yeah totally! 😀