Self Portraits
September 16, 2008 by Heather Goldsmith
Filed under Arts & Crafts
One really excellent visual journal writing exercise that can take you in any direction you choose, is the self portrait. The idea is to create your own image. There are several ways you can do this. I feel the more ways you explore the more likely you are to grow as an artist and the more you will learn about yourself.
Several years ago I used this idea in my own visual journal, except I only ever sketched my hand. Each day I spent just a short time noting the lines and shapes of my left hand. Over the time I did this exercise not only did my drawing improve, but I sensed a greater appreciation for what makes up my hands. I extended this exercise by painting an image of my hand on days when I had more time. I also used crayon and pastels.
Try this exercise yourself. You might want to use your face for your self portrait, but don’t be limited by your usual understanding of the word self portrait. You might like to focus on a part of your face, or your hands, feet or other aspect of yourself. These are all good choices because a lot of our self expression is reflected in these body parts. Experiment with different mediums, too. There’s photography, collage, fibre crafts, sculpture, whatever. This exercise is only limited by your imagination. You might like to make this a daily exercise or weekly. It depends what time you expect to have.
I hope you find this visual journal prompt useful. Please leave any comments in the section below.
Heather
Photo is my own
I’d love to see some pages you’ve done with this “prompt”
After all this time, it is wonderful to see your photo, Heather! I am a visual person and enjoyed putting a face with your writing!
Hi Nolwen,
Thanks for leaving a comment. I’ll go searching for them and get a photo in the next couple of days to share in a blog entry. Thanks again.
Hi Olivia,
I have shared a more recent photo somewhere around the beginning of April, too, so don’t forget to check that one out, too. Thanks for leaving a comment. 
Thanks.
This reminds me of an assignment I had in a drawing class, where we were supposed to draw our hands over and over - I think it was supposed be One Hundred Hands, or something like that. It was one of my first attempts to draw without watching my pencil, kept my eye on my hand. I’ve never tried to do my face. Good idea.
And you look cute in your photo.
Hi Michelle,
I love the added challenge of not taking your eyes off your hand. That would really improve your observation skills. Thanks. The only other people who tell me I’m cute are my family. Thanks for your comment.
You’re welcome Heather
*that’s true that’s good to put a face on words*.
Thanks for sharing your photos… can’t wait to see them!
Hi Nolwenn,
No worries. Look out for them next week.
Hi again Nolwenn,
I just thought I’d better let you know I haven’t forgotten about the pics you wanted to see. I’m just having a harder time finding them than I expected. So, they’re still on their way.