Felix Vallotton

Switzerland 1865-France 1925

Self-portrait (My portrait)

[Auto portrait (Mon portrait)] 1879

oil on card

card 59.2 (h) x 48.2 (w) cm

About Vallotton:

He was born into a conservative middle class family in Lausanne in 1865, and there he attended College Cantonal, graduating with a degree in classical studies in 1882.

His earliest paintings, such as the Ingresque Portrait of Monsieur Ursenbach (1885), are firmly rooted in the academic tradition, and his self portrait received an honorable mention at the Salon des artistes français in 1886. During the following decade Vallotton painted and wrote art criticism and made a number of prints.

About Vallotton's painting:

Self portrait 1879 reflect Vallotton’s reserved personality, Vallotton uses flat colour, hard edges, and a biting Realism to represent himself. He leaves the background a sober taupe.

The reason why this particular image captured my attention was that the painting in fact looked like a photograph it had that much detail and contrast it seemed to be a photograph of Vallotton.

The shadows and contrast within Vallottons face expresses emotions within. The detail within the hair lines display a real life look towards the image.

Felix Vallotton has created a master piece which I'm sure has not only captured my attention but millions of others.

When your assigned to take photographs at the Botanical Gardens your eyes run wild towards plants, trees, lizards etc, yet i saw a barbwire fence and took the opportunity o capture a strong image like this one.

This image was taken with the direct sunlight comming from my side as you can see within the shadows of the image on the wooden fence pole.

Having the foreground in focus it is helping to display the texture with in object in the image which is our main focus.

I also have a passion for vanishing points within my photographs which i believe gives a different aspect towards all photographs.

I had the chance to create a dark and gloomy side of a the Botanical Gardens on Wednesday when i saw the mist look-a-like aspect.

As the sun shines down apon the the slipper/wet steps the mist is displayed to be a soft flowing aspect, while the sun shines through it.

Shadows, tones and contrast are explored throughout the image as seen.

This image gives a gloomy, dark, aspect that creates a sense of fear and lonelyness.

When you first look at this image you may think "what on earth is that?"
It's in fact a mouse skull which i found during my adventure at the Botanical Gardens.
I particularly like this image as it captures a sense of belonging within the native culture of animals and their lives.
The focus is sharpened mainly on the centre of the image and the skull as it is the main point within the photography, and the point which captures your attention.
i would have to say that this is my favouriteimage of the whole day.