Self Portraits

I’ve had a number of self-portrait assignments in my art classes. They are interesting because the subject is obviously something I’m very familiar with, but I’m also very self conscious about how I represent myself. That said, I use these assignments as a chance to really let my freak flag fly.



Angry Businessman
18 x 24 Charcoal on Paper

First I’ll preface by saying that none of these drawings are intended to “mean” anything. Mostly they’re the products of random stream of consciousness and late-night half-awake brainstorms with myself.

This one is a picture of me sitting at my computer, angrily talking on my cell phone. With the lower body of a fish.


Hickbob
24 x 18 Charcoal on Paper

The assignment here was to include two faces in the drawing, one of them being a self-portrait. I went for extra credit and made them both self-portraits. Technically, this drawing probably has the best execution of any of my portraits.


Halloween Self Portrait
24 x 18 Charcoal on Paper

I don’t remember what the assignment was, but I do remember that I made it the day before Halloween, and I decided to break out the fake blood a little early.


The Brains and the Body
18 x 24 Charcoal

This is my head on the body of a female friend of mine. I am missing a tooth for some reason. Again, please don’t read too deeply into this. Or do, if that’s more fun.


Jacob Family on a Jacob Horse
24 x 18 Charcoal on Paper

One day I had a vision of a man, his wife, and their baby riding west to find a new life away from the evils of the city. The man was determined, the woman was nervous, the baby was innocent, and the horse was concentrated and loyal. Of course, the assignment was to do a self-portrait, so the man, woman, baby, and horse all had to be me of course.

Even though it’s unfinished, this drawing has gained a certain degree of infamy. I actually met someone once who had been forewarned of its bizarre existence before meeting me.