I’ve always liked the Matisse self portrait on the left. In fact, my first attempt to do a self portrait “in the style of” is the very green one below (done about a year ago) which was based loosely on the same painting. My dissatisfaction with it was partly what inspired this project.

Here’s my original drawing for the top painting. Again, I drew in front of the mirror, but then painted in gouache at my drawing table.

Matisse has done a lot of portraits in many different styles, so we’ll see how far I go with him. I’ve got at least 2 more in mind, but maybe more. He’s one of my favorite artists.

You can see the first three self portraits in this series here.

And other work inspired by Matisse here and here and also here.