Oil

James Hague – self-portrait oil on canvas 1996 (BP)

This intense painting is a good example of glazing technique as the oil paint has been considerably diluted with a medium and laid in almost transparent coats of flat colour. Even though the painting is made of a number of combined layers, the paint is so thin that the weave of the canvas is still clearly visible. Great care has been taken to soften any visible brushmarks so as not to interfere with the smooth surface of the painting. The features have been stylized and presented in a series of angular shapes and lines rather than soft curves. The combination of smooth finish and semi-cubist style make this modern portrait reminiscent of Deco paintings of the 1930’s.

Using oil as a material for making a self-portrait

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