Want to get out of your comfort zone and create an art practice? Or further your current art practice?
Grab a pen or pencil and some paper, I will show you how. Drawing a self-portrait with your eyes closed without lifting your pen or pencil is an art technique that facilitates self-reflection and self-knowledge. Two key factors in creating an art practice or furthering a current one.
During a drawing self-portrait session, we start a dialogue between our thinking mind and our 'gut' to draw from an inexhaustible source of meanings, that need to be expressed.
We can separate ourselves from what we dislike and open up a space for renewal.
The self-portrait can be incredibly empowering. By forcing us into the 'now', it can help us perceive and express our creativity from the inside out.
The decision to represent oneself by not looking at the page can provide a 'state of grace'; a feeling of centeredness that occurs in creative work in which the emotions are naturally retained because our higher self is in command.
Create a spontaneous playful, and thought-provoking self-portraits - with your eyes closed.
Sidestep your perfectionist tendencies and mute your inner critic.
Here are the steps you need to create your self-portrait with your eyes closed;
Grab your favourite pen or pencil you enjoy working with and some paper, 8.5x11 is all you need.
Center your pen/pencil on the page.
Imagine that you're looking at your reflection in the mirror.
With your eyes closed, draw this image of yourself with one continuous flowing line.
Take your time and breathe through the lines. Feel how you are creating the lines.
Focus on your face, particularly on the features of your face that express emotion.
Keep your eyes closed as you continue to draw.
Open your eyes.
What emotional expression do you interpret?
Please share, I would love to see your drawings. I have shared some of mine.
This process was a great boost to my art practice, giving me confidence and a routine.
To develop a practice do this once a day for 100 days. After you have completed your 100 days you will see how your practice has grown and maybe feel a little more comfortable with the reflection you see in the mirror every day.
