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Completed 10th Jan, 2009
Graphite pencils, 2H, HB, 2B, 6B, 8B on Cartridge Paper, 297 × 420mm
Stats from 10th January 2009 to 18th July 2012:
- 517 comments
- 126 favoritings
- 16066 views
I have been contemplating it for some time, I guess just trying to brush up on my skills first.
I believe that every artist must do at least one self portrait, so I figured my first would have to incorporate my first love, music into the theme.
This was somewhat of a challenge, firstly because this is the way people see me, whereas I am so used to seeing a mirrored version of myself; my eyebrow ring is on the right in the mirror and my scar on my chest from when both my lungs collapsed when I was 16, etc.
Also I realised that I hate drawing bloody guitars! the strings, frets and tiny numbers on the knobs are way too detailed even for my pool of patience. The guitar in Elvis Costello wasn’t so bad because i only had to do a tiny section of two of the strings, but ah oh well, these are the challenges we artists have to conquer in order to improve :)
I took my own reference photos using the timer on my digital camera, and lots of different poses.
Completed 10th Jan, 2009
Graphite pencils, 2H, HB, 2B, 6B, 8B on Reeves White Paper, A3
Thanks for stopping by!
I am a South Australian practising artist specialising in graphite pencils and soft pastels. I take portrait commissions and can be contacted at www.facebook.com/sigh.artist or simonaberle@hotmail.com
Cheers!
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Comments
Simon, I was just about to reject this and then I saw your wip shots. This is so good its scary.
Thanks so much! Sorry for scaring you!
– Simon Aberle
sensational simon . . . gets my vote for the best self portrait i’ve seen on the bubble . . . stunning work
cheers
am
That’s a big call! Thanks so much for looking!
– Simon Aberle
awesome work,it is hard to do self portrates as you try to draw what you want to think you look like,and not how you realy look.thats why i cant draw the elephant man(me),so have never done one.just great work
Thanks carss66, It was hard, especially being a perfectionist, but at least now I can actually say I’ve done one, move on and continue enjoying drawing!!
– Simon Aberle
Wow…. You shouldn’t have shown me this until I get mine done! This is excellent, my friend! :)
Now my challenge is to do you proud. Just keep in mind, or styles are not the same!
This has got to be one of your best!!!
I agree, our styles are very different, I use a lot of blending, whereas you use all pencil strokes, which I think is a REAL talent!
It will be interesting to see the two styles compared :)
– Simon Aberle
It is a pleasure to look at you. I am a big fan of guitar, and sexy men.
Thankyou! Well isn’t this one just a win-win for you then! :)
– Simon Aberle
Beautiful, stunning work!
Thanks so much Alma
– Simon Aberle
great work in pencil.
Thanks, it is an honour to receive a comment from one of the most talented painters on redbubble. Your work is brilliant!
– Simon Aberle
You are a great assett to our group Works on Paper. I am impressed and appreciate your instructions on how you did this work. I think I will feature you as the artist of the week!
Oh wow thankyou so much, that would be fantastic!
– Simon Aberle
Holy…..!!! Drawing skills aside, this is an incredible work! The reference is gorgeous, beautiful soft natural light, and dynamic composition. I like your subtle handling of the bedsheets and the dramatic lighting on the wall. Doesn’t hurt that you are such a handsome model. I know this phrase is overused, but can’t resist here. You Rock!
Thanks for thhe extensive comment! This is why I took so many reference photos, because I was using natural light, and the shadows had to fall just right. I could have used so many of them but I chose this, and passed a lot of them onto another artist David J Vanderpool who is also interested in drawing me, he thinks I am the perfect male model! I cant wait to see his interpretation of me!!
– Simon Aberle