This was difficult to do. A literal mental blank when met with the task of having to consider how I wanted to depict myself while being woefully uninspired with my reflection. So I went for comfort. I donned my favorite wool scarf, toque and Stanfield sweater to create a positive diversion by having lots of fabric to paint while providing the structure I felt was needed to hold my attention. I paid homage to my love for chiaroscuro by casting a single light source upon my visage, relishing the contrast I was going to paint. I used my landscape palette of colours to see what kind of skin tones would manifest from the predominately cool hues I typically use.
This project could have gone down so many paths that would have challenged me stylistically but I chose comfort. I chose it because in a day and age where financial struggles are very real for many people I found as a full-time working artist there wasn't time to play and extend myself. A decision for comfort ruled out new explorations because it helped balance the need to manage workload, commitments and myself. Truly a realistic painting.