Self Portrait in Oil of Jessica Rockwell
The Artist Self Portrait in Oil has given us an interesting glimpse of history throughout the ages. We get a behind-the-scenes look at local costumes, hair types, facial colors and expressions, as well different rendering techniques. We connect with artists over the centuries as we imagine what motivated them.
Many artists also painted themselves into their regular paintings of other subjects. My cousin, American Norman Rockwell did this. Also, two 17th century oil portrait artists: Spanish Diego Velasquez and Dutch Rembrandt van Rign.
For me, since I was a fan of oil portraits in general, I just wanted something in oil of myself too. A well-respected artist brought it to my attention when he suggested that he might paint it. I realized then that I would be my own best painter and that I should do it myself.
Another factor that prompted me was that I was in my early 40s. Although I had painted one in watercolor, I had never made a self portrait in oil. It was definitely overdue. I’m always advising people to get their portraits done as young as possible, starting at 2 years old. (But of course there is beauty at all ages!) So, I did indeed take my own advice and voilà! I became the proud owner of my very own self portrait in oil.
Then something fun happened. I entered it into the show at the Beverly Hills Art Fair. It was awarded the “Best of Show” award.
If you can blank out the schlepping, there’s a lot of fun to remember about a show. The Beverly Hills Affaire in California takes place on a carpet of grass. I had my very own little subsection and thought I would bring my oils to pass the time. I know people like to watch you paint. Well, I couldn’t believe it—I was swarmed by a crowd! (Politely, thank goodness.) There was no end of people to talk to. And many more who left their names for me to phone “on the morrow”.
Let me help make your oil portrait a great memory for you too!
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