Self-Portrait with Hat - Colored Pencil Drawing

"Self-Portrait with Hat" Colored Pencil

This self-portrait is not meant to be a photographic likeness or a complete psychological profile. This drawing is a careful study in contrast while also breaking some academic rules.


COLOR SCHEME - An obvious contradiction is the complementary color scheme comprised of yellow-orange and blue-violet. When placed side-by-side, these two colors actually enhance each other’s vibrancy.


VALUE RANGE - Another strong disparity is found in the wide value range. Just as light emerges from darkness, the murky-blue background is a somber foil at odds with the pale-yellow face.


TEXTURE - Another example of divergence is the different textures on display throughout. Some of the deep shadow areas are burnished smooth while other parts are stippled like pointillism.


SHADING - There are a few patches of flat color, especially in the coat and hat, that are contradicted by sleek gradients. The most careful shading is reserved for rendering the facial features.


STYLE - Following the traditional manner, the appearance is depicted realistically including sharp line work, fine details and precision modeling. In opposition, the jacket is ascribed a more abstract quality that appears unfinished in some areas.


Posed in a three quarter view, the stoic profile is defined by a thick nose, thin lips, rigid chin and a protruding ear. Testifying to the artist’s age, a tuft of gray hair is glimpsed beneath the teal-colored baseball cap.


Mixing complementary colors results in a naturalistic but more neutralized hue. In this drawing warm and cool colors don’t intermingle as there are no blues worked into the head or flesh tones carried into the coat.


The artist’s face is limited to yellow, orange and red pigment which keeps it distinct from the shadowy tones surrounding it. No blue tones are allowed which results in a portrait of pure, unbroken color.


It feels like the choices I make while drawing are not my own as they materialize from a higher power. I’m just an intermediary between this physical world and an unseen realm.


On a good day, if I’m focused and able to attain an altered state of consciousness I call “In the Zone”, work proceeds joyously. I believe I'm meant to embrace this divine inspiration in order to express the grandeur of God’s creation.

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