Tuesday 24 August 2010

We Are How We See Ourselves.


We Are How We See Ourselves.


In my other blog today I was taking a very light hearted look at the process of ageing. Something the young do not believe ever happens to them, but the reality we all must face.

I have been neglecting taking account of my ageing and have allowed myself to get unfit and have increased in weight. And it did not just happen overnight.

Yesterday I hit a target and had done for two days in a row and was feeling not too bad about life. Then I saw this my first and only self portrait. I remember doing it, more importantly I remember the night my son snapped this picture of me. He took it with his new cell phone. I was still running daily and still only hitting 140lbs.

Not the best ever self portrait, but I never got round to trying another. Maybe one day I should.

I have been reading articles about self portraits. Some people think that they would never do them because it is self indulgence. That it takes a certain inner pride to accomplish it.

I found it the exact opposite. It was impossible to sit and study yourself without also doing an inner stock take.

A inner stock take helped me get some perspective back into my life, so it was a good exercise.

I recommend it to one and all. Be brave and have a go.

This one was done in pastel I did it in one fell swoop.

It now languishes in a drawer somewhere. I keep telling my children I am keeping it in the off chance that one day I may become a grandfather. I will then hang it above the fire to keep them safe.

Frightening indeed.

I cannot leave toady without commenting on the ongoing work of Barbra- Joan She is painting the picture of the tree I used as a photograph recently. What amazing patience she has and what a wonderful eye for detail. If you have a free minute go look at it. She posted the ongoing work a few days ago. Hit her name and it will take you to her blog.



This blog is linked to my other.   Age Is Catching Up With Me


6 comments:

  1. :-) I agree Ralph... about the way we see ourselfs

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  2. Ralph, I love the idea of your self-portrait keeping watch over your grandkids. No greater gift, my friend.

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  3. That is a lovely thought Sherry I had more in mind keeping them well away from the danger of the fire. The portrait might scare them enough to stay well back.

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  4. Well, Ralph just want to say thanks for the boost. You always lift my spirits and its what keeps us all going . As far as self-portraits, I did one of myself when younger and it was in oils.. I still have it and hey, maybe I'll actually post it after being inspired by you.. As far as doing self-portraits I think it's rather brave of us... to put ourselves 'out there'.

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  5. you are right it is never ever easy but I would love to see that one of you

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  6. Take heart, Ralph, you're not the only one fighting The Battle of the Bulge!

    Oh dear... it's an ongoing thing!

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