Self Portrait with Dual Mirrors

'Self Portrait with Dual Mirrors'

('Self Portrait for a New Day')

This self portrait was painted from life using dual mirrors, in the calm, steady light of a north facing window. 

Using two mirrors (positioned so that I was observing the reflection of my own reflection) allowed me to paint myself looking towards the light, rather than looking directly into my own (or the viewer's) eyes; a slightly out-of-body experience which was oddly peaceful. 

Throughout the process I began to see the image as a representation of early morning stillness. To amplify this, I painted myself holding a clean palette. I wanted the painting to evoke the moment at the start of a new day when anything is still possible and everything feels new.

Exhibited with the Royal Institute of Oil Painters,

Nov-Dec 2021, at the Mall Galleries, London

Exhibited in

Michael Alford, Ruth Fitton and Ian Hargreaves

at Island Fine Arts, Chichester

March 2022