Working on a self portrait inspired by a work I sketched at an exhibit Myths and Monuments, my daughter, Crimson Rose was called in to assist. Creating portraits of other people is one thing, a self portrait has its challenges as I cannot look at myself, except via a mirror and photographs. Crimson Rose was able to grasp the minute changes in the planes of the facial muscles and picking up the tools she has seen me use her whole life, began to 'bring to life' my own self portrait.

Inspired by this portrait by St. Gaudens. I have sketched and studied the work, especially the architectural surround the portrait was placed.

Loving a challenge, I am currently working on creating a similar surround for my self portrait. The photo below shows the start of the architectural elements. The self portrait will be placed against this panel.

As I continue to work to hone my craft, I am constantly working on studying the masters and copying their works as a way to understand their methods and techniques in a deeper way. Emile Boisseau is a French sculptor of the Beaux Arts movement in the late 19th c. Below is my master's study of his work "In Defense of the Family," I omitted the plough as I was concentrating on studying the figure.

More exciting news to come this year, so keep an eye on your email for future blogs.

In the meantime, here's an "art smile"