Impression Evergreen

"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...

"Self-Portrait with Green Background" Colored Pencil A self-portrait more concerned with the possibilities of line and color and less preoccupied with character and psychology. The picture is merely a sheet of textured paper covered by drawn forms that are filled with pencil pigment. The head’s deep shadow sculpts the rigid structure of the face while an array of golden hues attempts to express a glowing inner-light. The pink nose, ruddy ear and indigo eyes add some allure to the numinous color scheme. Thick strands of dark hair curl across a high forehead while tufts of muted gray are streaked into the sideburn. Accentuating the intense glare, sharp line work represents the many wrinkles and weathered features. The biggest gamble is the verdant background that is quilted from a puzzle of interlocking shapes. The various shades of green contrast strongly with the earthen flesh, creating a vibration between the complementaries. Searching for stability, the intention is not to ...