If I Were a Member of Paula Rego's 'Family': 2009.10.27

Week 35: Paula Rego: If I Were a Member of Paula Rego's 'Family': 2009.10.27, originally uploaded by Julia Kay.

This is based on one of the characters in the painter Paula Rego's 1991 'Family'.

This is my second version drawing myself based on this figure, and this time it's a little closer to my actual coloring/complexion. I tried putting in my ever-present glasses, but took them out again - I thought they were too much of a bold graphic element and took away from the play of light on the face.

Interestingly, the wikipedia article says she's only ever made one self-portrait. However, when I look at the photos of her and the people she paints, I see her in them - sort of the way Kathe Kollwitz' portraits of other people usually have the deepset eyes that she herself had.