Playing in My Art Journal: A Self-Portrait

By Melody | Published February 4, 2014

I completed a few new entries in my art journal last week, and one of them was a self-portrait. I started it during my lunch hour – just working with my journal and a black pen. I finished the page that night, when I had access to my watercolor pencils, a paintbrush, and a bit more time.

This organic form is representational of me, and yes – that’s a pumpkin head! The words near the leaves’ tendrils are things I associate with myself – they’re either some of my qualities and traits, or things that are important to me.

I find it very relaxing to doodle/draw, fill in the spaces with color, and then blend the colors with brush and water. I don’t have any illusions of being skilled at drawing, but I do have fun playing – and that’s the whole point. :]

black_white

Black and white…

colored_in

Colored in but not blended…

blended_colors

Color blended with water and brush…

Up close…

I hope you’ve enjoyed this peek at one of my latest art journal pages, dear readers. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Warm regards,
Melody

8 Comments

Posted February 4, 2014 at 7:56 am by Jani Howe | Permalink

Melody, I love your self-portrait! What a very clever idea. I’ve always been a bit wary about putting personal thoughts of myself on paper, but you do it beautifully!
Posted February 4, 2014 at 9:56 am by Linda | Permalink

Beautiful Melody….I love this!!!
Posted February 4, 2014 at 10:58 am by Melody | Permalink

Jani,
Thank you for your kind words. As for personal thoughts of self on paper, I just go for it. Heaven knows I’m not perfect – none of us is – and I find it helpful to write things down, look at them, and to be able to reflect. However, it’s a very personal choice and I certainly respect yours. :]
Melody
Posted February 4, 2014 at 10:58 am by Melody | Permalink

Linda,
Thanks so much! I appreciate your comment, “old” friend. :]
Melody
Posted February 4, 2014 at 11:37 am by Jo Murray | Permalink

You’re hardly a pumpkin head Melody. Lovely work.
Posted February 4, 2014 at 6:41 pm by Melody | Permalink

Jo,
LOL. Thank you!
Melody
Posted February 6, 2014 at 9:58 pm by Holly Shaw | Permalink

Very inspiring!. I love how you incorporated your attributes with such a whimsical and engaging drawing. Loved it!
Posted February 6, 2014 at 10:59 pm by Melody | Permalink

Holly,
Thank you so much for your kind words, and for your comment!
Melody