Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Following the Masters - Self Portrait - Original Pastel

Me & Max
7"x5"
Self Portrait Challenge
The challenge this month on Following the Masters is a self-portrait. Wouldn't you know it - in the same week I finally put a photo of myself as my avatar we are asked to do a self-portrait! I considered not doing the challenge simply because don't like having pictures of myself taken and painting one just wasn't something I wanted to do but I just joined the challenge last week so how could I not???

I used a photo for a reference from a few years back. I need to get me a set of portrait pastels I think but I just used what I had so the coloring is a bit off and it didn't help that I need to wash my hands and kept getting pastel smudges where they shouldn't be. I think there is something else off but I'm not willing to spend any more time on it so . . .we will just call in finished.
The best thing about this painting is Maxwell. I loved painting Max. He was a super cat - more dog like than not. He was so friendly and lovable. He was a large cat - about 18 pounds. He wasn't fat just big and rather magnificent looking. I wished he was still with me. He and Samantha would make a beautiful couple. I did a drawing of Max a while back - you can find it here on my website, it's called Day Dreaming.

Psalm 36:5
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

15 comments:

Barbara Pask said...

Just beautiful Karen. I knew you were a beautiful gal inside and now I know you are on the outside too.

Unknown said...

aaahhh.... Max was a big bruiser (with a tender heart) like Meatball. Those eyes are even lovelier up close! Awesome portrait.

Carolina said...

It's a beautiful portrait, Karen

Jo Castillo said...

Very nice and if a portrait has composition this is good, too. :) I really like this.

Debra Keirce said...

You do amazing work...I really like your self portrait, and I especially like the expressions on you and Max!

Karen Hargett said...

Barb you are a sweetie - thanks!

Sheila - yes Max and Meatball were probably alot alike. When Max was small he almost looked like an owl his eyes were so big.

Hey Carolina thank you so much!

Hi Jo - thank you! I never thought about composition for a portrait - thanks!

Hi Deb - thank you! Thanks for visiting my blog too.

James Parker said...

Karen...I saw your self-portrait at Michelle's FTM, and had to drop by to offer my compliments...excellent work. If you get a chance, drop by my blog (fellow Texas artist) and possibly offer something for the Windows to the Words"Cats Up" challenge. I would be honored and delighted.

Karen Hargett said...

Hi James - thanks so much. Always glad to meet a fellow Texan especially in the neighborhood. I'll drop by your blog for sure - thanks!

Dean H. said...

A real stunner, Karen!! Both you and your buddy have beautiful eyes!

Karen Hargett said...

LOL - thanks Dean I appreciate it!

Karen Hargett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Diana Ferguson said...

Wow! You are good, and I mean that. Enjoyed my first visit today. Hey I'm a Texan, too. Hooked up as a follower.

Hop over to see me; I have a giveaway going, too.


Diana

Karen Hargett said...

Hi Diana - thank you so much and I'm glad you enjoyed your visit - thanks for following. Always good to hear from a fellow Texan. I'm going to be sure to check out your blog. Thanks again.

Pattie Wall said...

Wow, Karen - you and Max made quite a team on this self portrait. I see such love from both of your gazes. Nice work - beautiful keepsake!

Karen Hargett said...

Hi Pattie - thanks so much. Max was a neat cat.