Just to challenge myself, I signed up for an annual self portrait contest put on by the Plein Aire artists of Sacramento, sponsored by Martha Esch. I had not done a self portrait since college and was not sure where to start. I sat down in front of the mirror and did a quick pencil sketch. I was so pleased with how it turned out, I just left it alone. I then proceeded to copy my sketch onto watercolor paper with paint. After a few brush strokes, I realized my mistake...I had not put any sketch marks onto the paper to help with proportion and it became more of an experiment figuring out the layering of color and highlights, and not about proportion. 
Definitely something I can keep practicing on. As for the competition of about 15 artists, I submitted my original sketch and I didn't place. The top three artists were all acrylic paint, so my pencil sketch paled in comparison (literally!) but I got to see some really good art and had a good time, and that is one of the goals of my art-- Have fun!
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| Self portrait sketch scanned with computer enhanced contrast |
Taking classes is a great way to be exposed to good art and to help one improve one's skills. I still take watercolor classes once a week with a master watercolorist and learn something each time.
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