Gridded Self Portrait

Artist Statement

For this project, we were given a 9x12" piece of paper and asked to section it off into eight 1 1/2 inch sections to create a value scale. I began with a medium shade in the middle box, lightning colors to the left and darkening the colors to the right. Next, we created a sphere below using the different shades from our scale. For the next piece of this unit, we continued our build-up to the summative by watching a documentary about famous artist Chuck Close and his gridding technique. To create his artwork, Close superimposed a grid onto his photographs. He then transferred the grid onto much larger canvases and painted abstract portraits of himself and other people using acrylic paint.

For our summative, we were asked to find a decent quality photo, with a relatively high value scale, switched to black and white and print. Next, we applied Close's gridding method to our chosen photograph and a blank piece of 9x12 paper, sketching 1" by 1" squares. We sectioned papers off in order to draw our features as they appeared in each square rather than what we believed they look like as far as value. I began in the lower left corner, attempting to match the values to the best of my abilities, pulling out a few exaggerated highlights along the hair and face with an eraser as I went. I saved the facial features last, then went back and added a few final touches before handing it in. For this project, I used a straight edge ruler, HB and 4B pencils, and two square cutouts to section off the paper for accurate lines and shapes, features, etc.

In my project, I used a few elements of art to create the principles of design. We did not use color for this project, but we did use a variety of values of darks and lights which created contrast and texture, as seen in the hair. The use of line, used throughout the entire piece but most evident in the hair and facial features helped to create pattern and shape. I believe there is also a sense of unity because everything is balanced and both sides figuratively weigh the same. Finally, the use of space in the white background of the drawing.

Out of the hundreds of photos in my camera roll, this one has always been my favorite. It was taken when I was around 8 or 9 years old in Hudson NY and was captured on a boat ride with my family. I chose it because it was clear, had good values and because I knew it would be a bit of a challenge considering there is two of us. I was worried about time but was able to get it finished, working in class and for a half hour or so at home. Considering my past with self portraits I am very surprised and very happy with the final results. I am most proud of the features. They were definitely the hardest part for me, but I was able to overcome this struggle by using light lines to make the eyes, nose and mouth parallel and tilted the same way. One thing I noticed is I didn't quite push my contrast far enough. Also, I believe I should have spent more time adding darker detail to my moms hair. I will go back in after, add some final touches, a nice frame and possibly gift it to my mother for Christmas or her birthday.