Figure it Out

In working with the human figure you are tackling the most commonly known and recognized formal imagery in the visual world. Everybody has one, we all see bodies EVERYDAY. This familiarity makes it more challenging for you because everyone can be critical of your imagery with authority. This shouldn't intimidate you, I just want to give it some perspective! That being said figurative portraiture spans the spectrum of expression. I will endeavor here to illuminate the range of thought on our subject matter.
All these images are National gold and silver medal winning artwork from the National Scholastic Awards last year and the year before...

Except for this one

Kathy Chung- TA '10, NYU- Steinhardt School '14

The rest of these are figurative portraits but not all are "Self-Portraits."

Some are just use of the artist as subject. "What's the difference?" you say. Remember the prospect that you are the best model you have because you are always available...well, there you go.

I offer these as a smorgasbord of styles and ideas.

Some printmaking...

Some figurative works from students who submitted winning portfolios...

This image to the left and the one below is from the award winning portfolio of Kristina Baker. Her work was featured on my blog earlier. She is now studying at RISD.

 

All these images obviously took a long time to create and a lot of dedication. You have as much time as you are willing to give yourself, and the limit of your expression is only the limit of your creativity. 

As Einstein said "Creativity is INTELLIGENCE at play."