Self Portrait for Modern Art TVAA 2011

My Finished Self Portrait

 Last year The Treasure Valley Artists Alliance participated in the Modern Art Event by creating a giant panel of T's, V's, A's and self portraits of members. I had created an "A" last year, so I needed to make my self portrait for this years showing. Below is a video from last year.

This year we are creating a panel of just self portraits. Below is my process.

First I took a picture of myself with my camera, and then printed it out on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. I cut out the background and glued it down on a gessoed board with yes paste. I used a piece of heavy cardboard to remove all wrinkles.
 

Then I tore different pieces of paper and collaged that around the edges. I used cocktail napkins, old sewing patterns and rubbed Pearl  powdered pigments onto that layer.

 
Next I used acrylic paint to paint over the photo and enhance it, I thought I looked tired and made myself more awake! I didn't like the way the neck turned out as painting over the collage the paper started bubbling up, I glued a ribbon across the bottom of the piece which picked up the colors in the background.
I coated the whole piece with Heavy Gel Medium. Then had to add my finishing touches "using every little thing" I found a parrot that looked good among the leaves and added a gold earring.

This year the show will be May 6th. Hope you can make it out, it is a wild and crazy time.