Process
First, I wanted to start with a selection of current photos that I had more control over, rather than using something pre-existing. I art directed a photo shoot in my apartment, with my partner, Caleb Filburn, photographing me. I wanted these photos to represent myself before curating what I looked like: freshly showered with no hairstyling or makeup. Just me, nothing more.
The photo I chose for this self portrait was taken in the morning, with soft lighting. I intended some of the emotive quality to radiate a softness, perhaps even in not quite so soft conditions.
My first foray into using soft pastels as a medium, I wanted to lean into it. I wanted to blend with my fingers, smoothing lines into a halo of color. I also liked the idea of contrasting that texture with the rough, almost childlike crayonesque harsh lines that result without blending. And then, of course, the inbetween.
For my overall color strategy, I employed contrast of hue. I was interested in exploring the different optical qualities of each, particularly the sense of depth when considering the face.
I borrowed a set of pastels that looked like they had seen extensive use, with nubs of only a handful of colors remaining. I didn't mind. I really liked the set.
Outcome
From this project, I felt more confident using color. Before taking this class, I struggled choosing colors, using them, and selecting a palette. Using a restrictive palette freed me from some of these insecurities, allowing me to design more intuitively. I learned more from this process than if I had planned extensively.