I worked today on some 5 minute gesture drawings to get going on this series of self-portraits. I’m drawing from photographs that I shot of actress Marianna Bassham in order to draw “myself”. It’s been many years since I’ve drawn a portrait, so it felt refreshing and great to come back to this subject after a long hiatus. The face has an infinite capacity for expression which I enjoyed exploring with these drawings.
I start the drawings with lithographic rubbing ink, which is very dark, strong, and thick when it touches the surface of the paper. From there, I use a Mars plastic eraser to smear and push the rubbing ink across the paper. In some areas I use my fingers to wipe and smudge the rubbing ink. Wellesley College is on spring break starting today and next week, so I’m looking forward to fitting in some long stretches of uninterrupted studio time.
Clara Lieu 