Has Social Media has changed the Relevance of the Artist's Self-Portrait.
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| Walking Buddies - Self-Portrait |
In early days, Artists Self-portrait were very much a Marketing Tool. Today, Social Media encourages artists to use photos rather than paint for their portrait, but it is still a key Marketing Tool.
What are your Self-Portraits saying about you? Are they sending out the messages that you want? Have you put much thought into the subtle messages buried in the pictures?
Looking at the "An Artist's Presence" show in the gallery I felt there was a message there for all artists; be thoughtful with posts and make sure the messages in your posts are saying what you want for your Art Business.
When I was in Ireland this Spring, I had the opportunity to go to the Chester Beatty Gallery. One of the shows I visited was "An Artist's Presence". The show explored not only the obvious ways but the more subtle ways that through their art, an artist reveals themselves. I was intrigued with this idea and saw that it had value for today's artist.
In Marketing Art it is important to connect both the artist and their process with their work.
Today, much of the Marketing is done through Social Media. Photos are quick to produce and post. One doesn't need to 'paint' the picture.
As I studied the works in the show I was drawn to the women artists. In the 1500's it wasn't really acceptable for women to be ' an artist'. Well, except in a convent or in court. But to have a studio and sell to the public, Scandalous!
This made female artists self-portraits even more important. Their marketing had to be far more subtle than men's. I found studying their work was fuel for 'awareness'. An Awareness of ways to navigate social structures but still send strong messages. Creating and staging a self-portrait requires thought and planning. I think this is still very true today. Remember "a pictures is worth 1000 words".
Messages hidden in Self-portraits of the Past:
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| Self Portrait at the Easel Painting a Devotional Panel - 1556 Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625) |
1. Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625) - Sofonisba presents herself in front of her easel painting a very religious picture. She appears to be a refined, educated, and virtuous woman. But in more subtle ways, one can see she is skilled and creative. She belongs in the elite society but she is also a professional.
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| Self-Portrait 1880 - Helena J Maguire (1860-1909) |
2. Helena J Maguire (1860-1909) - Helena presents herself as a refined young lady but also as an aspiring young artist. One can see her interest is in nature. Her pose is confident and engaging the audience. One feels her determination and commitment to her practice.
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| Self-Portrait 1890 - Helen Mabel Trevor (1831-1900) |
3. Helen Mabel Trevor (1831-1900) Helen presents herself as an artist. She has her tools at hand, her palette with paint and her artist's beret and painters smock. Her stance and expression radiate strength and confidence. Her work reflects her style and skill. Her portrait says she is a serious professional artist.
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| Self- Portrait 1920 - Moyra Barry (1886-1960) |
4. Moyra Barry (1886-1960) - Moyra presents herself in her studio, surrounded by her work and wearing her painting smock. Everything says she is a painter and a skilled portraitist. Although it does not show well in this reproduction, there is a window to the left with a landscape. This with her flower pictures gives evidence of her other subject material. It also suggests the strength of her skillset. Finally, she adds confidence to her message with her determined look over her shoulder.
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| Wendy Mould - Painting on Texada Island, BC |
Present Day Self-Portraits on Social Posts:
I have taken the liberty of including some of my self-portraits to offer a balance to history; modern day Self-portraits that I use as Marketing Tools. Each of my portraits have common messages as you can see: my professionalism, my love of animals and nature, my passion for studying the environment, and my artistic skill.
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| Wendy sketching on the shoreline of Gabriola Island, BC |
However, there is more to my portraits. They have subtle purposeful messages. Some are used to promote my Animal Portrait Practice, my Teaching, my Outdoor Sketching, my Fine Art Work and my ability to Mentor others.
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| Wendy with "Short Eared Owl: On the Prowl" |
What are your Self-Portraits saying about you? Are they sending out the messages that you want? Have you put much thought into the subtle messages buried in the pictures?
Looking at the "An Artist's Presence" show in the gallery I felt there was a message there for all artists; be thoughtful with posts and make sure the messages in your posts are saying what you want for your Art Business.
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| Wendy in her studio |
Taking Registrations for my Spring/Summer Events:
- Sept 29, 6-8pm - Art Critique - Join me for a gentle critique on one of your paintings, this is the perfect space for discussion, learning, and creative growth. FREE Registration Required - Langley Arts Council
- October 5, 9:30 -1pm - Make Friends with Your Pen - This playful workshop helps you loosen up, build trust in your lines and discover pen work can strengthen your overall drawing skills. Mission Arts Council: Register 604- 826-0029
- Save the Date: My next set of 3 Zoom classes Thursdays, October 9, 16 & 23. Study of Shadows & Colour - Enhancing Your Drawing & Painting Skills. Early Bird: $75 after Oct 7, $90
Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work,
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Have a great Artful Day,
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