Contemporary Drawings
by Michelle Flanagan

     This self-portrait was the second tondo, or round format drawing in the series of 2003. I had just completed Grace, which was conceptually driven, filled with warm colors and stylistically iconic. I guess my subconscious needed some cooling because I started this self-portrait with no concept in mind, except that I was drawn to shades of blue. So, that was it. I basically treated the figure as an exercise in photo realism, and practicing or 'tuning-up' my technical abilities.
     The areas of realism in the face are juxtaposed against areas of flat surface pattern which is a preferred aesthetic of mine. Using stencils was a new technique for me, and I responded, positively, to what they added to the drawings. The miniature roses added a visual and symbolic sweetness. The clarity and repetition of the pattern provided a backdrop like a field of 'pleasantry'. It seemed to make the drawing friendly.