TitleSelf-Portrait (Life Masks)
Artist
Mary Beth McKenzie
(American, b. 1946)
Datec. 1972
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsUnframed: 18 × 27 in.
Framed: 19 3/4 × 29 × 2 1/2 in.
SignedSigned lower right: "McKenzie"
SubmissionNA diploma presentation, May 25, 1994
Credit LineNational Academy of Design, New York, NY
Object number1994.9
Label Text"It is very hard to paint a self-portrait," Mary Beth McKenzie explains, "the tendency is to stay right on top of the painting never getting any perspective on it. You have to allow a model to take a break, but with yourself it is easy to continue painting long after you can see what you're doing. Also it's impossible to step back and study the subject and the painting at the same time. Objectivity is the real problem. On the other hand, you allow yourself to take chances more freely, because the model will always be available." The life masks on the wall behind the artist are portraits of the artist and her husband.Collections
- Artist Portrait Highlights from the Collection
![Self-Portrait [small]](/internal/media/dispatcher/8483/thumbnail)
![Self-Portrait [with sweatshirt]](/internal/media/dispatcher/17071/thumbnail)
![Self-Portrait [double]](/internal/media/dispatcher/17069/thumbnail)
