A Birthday Self-Portrait Tradition

15 years of drawings... And another trip around the sun...

Dearest Friend,

First: a matter of business. This is a fairly long email (with lots of fun pictures), so if it gets cut off at the bottom, please click on "View entire message."

I recently completed another peregrination around the sun, celebrating with cake and flowers.

A long time ago, I studied the History of Art. Those years spent rigorously exploring various forms of art across different time periods have profoundly enriched my practice in ways I may never fully comprehend.

I still remember one class focused on Rembrandt.

Did you know that he created almost 100 self-portraits throughout his lifetime? These works served as both an exercise in introspection and a means of practicing new techniques. By drawing himself, he could experiment with depicting faces. (And not insult anyone else if they didn’t turn out!)

However, what I find truly fascinating about his series of self-portraits is how they reveal his artistic evolution. You can see his skills improve, as well as the shifts in his style and tastes. Most importantly, you witness the passage of time through his aging process. The wrinkles emerge, and the once boyish twinkle in his eye transforms into a knowing glow.

Etching from 1630 and oil painting from 1669

Inspired by this, I decided to start my own series of self-portraits, using my birthday as the starting point. The significance of these drawings lies not in viewing each one individually, but rather in considering them collectively. They are sequential and tell a story, showcasing my progress in technique, style, and ways of thinking.

I hope you enjoy them!

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please respond to this email! Do you have a favourite?

I hope each day feels as new and exciting as a birthday for you,

X

Jane

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Choose your own adventure!

Your response to my questionnaire has been fantastic!

If any of you missed it, I’m thinking of offering an online course in drawing or art journaling… or… whatever you might like!

Choose your favourite topics at the link….

If you would be interested in taking an online course from me, please fill out my fun “Choose Your Own Adventure” questionnaire.

You can literally have a say in what my first course offering might be.

If even 20 people say they would sign up, I will write a course. So your vote really counts!

Choose your own adventure HERE!

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BIRTHDAY SELF PORTRAITS

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025