Self Portrait

If a painter would like to work on a live portrait - and there is no model available, self-portrait work is the only option.   Staring for hours into a mirror with the goal of creating a good likeness has always been a challenge.   The task has become less daunting with the realization that it is no different than producing a realistic still life or landscape.    Highlights, shadows, and lines (many lines) all arranged in a precise order magically become an image.   True to most self-portraits, the facial expression in this charcoal sketch seems serious and even scary.