About Face, Self Portraits by Judith Tummino

ARTIST STATEMENT

I grew up in the Washington, D.C. area where I had access to the museums and galleries at an early age.

I developed a love of the landscape both in the museums and the beautiful terrain of the Shendoah and Chesapeake Bay area.

I was fascinated by the depiction of the human form in the museums, whether a portait or full figure.

My self portraits became central to my work and at this time I have painted over 80 of them.

My first self portrait was the result of my desire to work from the model and the knowledge that I was always available.

I became interested in the light and dark shapes that I observed, separate from the likeness.

I later discovered it was a good way to get back into painting after a short departure from painting on a daily basis.

After studying in Italy I became aware of the volume of the figure, as well as studying the relationship of the figure in space.

Over the years I found my paintings becoming a journal, a reference to my life in art.

I will continue to make self portraits as long as I have paint, pencils and surfaces.

It is part of me.