Thirty in the Seventies
2007
27” X 30”

Having too much information and history can sometimes be an obstacle when painting a portrait.  That is why I found painting a self portrait to be a challenge.  It’s very hard to look down deep and really see myself when I am so connected.

This was the last painting in a series of self portraits.  While my previous paintings were done using mirrors, this one was inspired by an image which was ironed onto an old t-shirt.  I had kept this image for some time, being the only one of its kind.  It had faded miserably over the past 15 years but enough of the image remained to make a good sketch from which to work. 

The “psychedelic” color palette was created to reflect the spirit of the decade for which the image represents.  The loose, sweeping brush strokes speak of the “freedom” so passionately sought after, in that day.

I appreciate art that makes creative use of vibrant colors and luminosity.