Art from Code: Self Portrait

A Girl and Her Dog, A Dog and His Girl                                                                              

Image 4

I find I have the most success in code when I follow an outline in order to then deviate from the initial structure. For this project, I chose to follow a code from a past student’s self-portrait to secure an outline. I then simplified it, as I am new to coding and am still looking to hone my basic skills.   (Image 1) shows my initial portrait, based on an outline provided by the example piece. At this point in time, I had started to experiment with my color palette and indentifying details. I knew I wanted to approach the portrait from a straightforward point of view, I’m looking to hone in on detail and precision before I branch out towards the abstract.

Image 1(Image 1)

After getting a feel for the outline of the portrait, I quickly structured the code to fit my necessities. I decided on a static image, utilizing realism for color and basic geometry for shape. By (Image 2), I’d created a visual representing my literal portrait. I then wanted to add some more detail to further represent my “self”.

Image 2

(Image 2)

As a passionate dog lover and mother to three-and-a-half year old Chinese Crested Davi, I knew I must include his image in my portrait. Being that Davi is my greatest love, I wanted to represent our bond through a kind of melting image, a blurred line between where I end and where he begins.Image 3

(Image 3)

As I’ve begun to experiment with coding, I find my most consistent interest lies in the use of color. Through the digital color meter tool, I colored myself and Davi using photographs as references. As I am not yet able to form exact shapes to replicate reality, I enjoy utilizing exact color temperatures.

My self-portrait represents both my idea of self and my experience as a new coder.   Through the consistent color palate and basic geometry, I feel I am able to express what I hope to convey, a literal portrait with blurred lines between reality and imagination.

 Image 4

(Image 4)

Author: Margo DePorter