Fifi Trixabelle: How to Capture Expression and Personality in a Portrait

Fifi Trixabel aka Mimi | portrait commission | Jane E Porter 2023

I’d like to share one of my favourite portrait paintings, Fifi Trixabelle. It’s a commissioned piece of Mimi, the daughter of one of my closest friends, Daisy Jo Bear. The story begins with Daisy Jo announcing, ‘By the way, I don’t really like portraits…’

Well, that was a kicker 🤪! How was I going to paint a portrait she’d love when she doesn’t like portraits? However, I love problem-solving; it’s like a drug to me, so I was up for the challenge.

Luckily, I was given carte blanche when it came to choosing the reference photo so I opted for the one that was the most ‘out there’. As artists, we have a trained eye to see potential in what may be considered a risky or even bad choice. Daisy Jo was a bit surprised by my choice but after, what felt like a long ponder said, ‘Go ahead. I trust you!’ And that was that.

The Portrait Painting Process

I approached the digital painting process in a similar way to how I’d create a piece in oils. I started off with sketches, then I did a watercolour and ink painting before moving to digital. I mixed the colours on the canvas (see the process video below) before applying them to achieve variations of the hues. The colour and textures were built up in layers, some transparent, others more opaque.

Mimi | watercolour painting

I try to emulate traditional methods when painting digitally, for example, using grainy pencil brushes to create hand-drawn elements and the use of broken colour, a kind of impressionist style I love. That’s achieved by using dry, textured brushes so that the hues underneath shine through. I think of it like scumbling in oils, a technique I have used traditionally for years.

In her true form, Mimi is a strawberry blonde. However, I cranked up the heat as I did with all the colours in the palette to make the painting really pop. Orange and blue work really well together because they are opposites on the colour wheel. When you use opposites, each colour stands out against the other. Conversely, when you mix opposite colours together, they become neutral, cancelling each other out. That’s not relevant here, but an art tip for creating neutral greys.

Art Bite: To make your paintings really pop, use opposite colours on the colour wheel. Each colour will stand out against its opposite.

The glitter on the hat and the sparkles in the background finished off the piece, adding a bit of a theatrical vibe, reminiscent of Mimi’s personality.

Capturing Expression and Personality

When painting a portrait, capturing expression and personality is paramount. It brings the piece to life and helps create a narrative.

In real life, Mimi has a captivating character. She is funny, creative and determined. Because she’s a child, she still possesses those qualities most of us desire; wonder, playfulness and authenticity. Expressing those qualities in a painting is a major component of its success. Mastering colour and composition we can learn and it only takes, a million or so, hours of practice. However, portraying personality takes a bit of research.

Here are a Few Tips

If it’s a commissioned portrait, we need to ask questions, for example, how would you describe his or her personality? I’ve put a link at the end of the article with descriptive words, but here are a few examples. 

Is he or she: 

• Quiet and introverted or the star of the show?
• Very feminine or more a tomboy?  
• Fiery and heroic or more of a bookworm?
• Laid-back or energetic?
• Gentle or mischievous?
• What are their hobbies and interests?

Because Mimi is energetic and vibrant, I chose a colour palette to reflect that. Using props can be another way to portray personality. The sparkly hat gives this piece a playful touch, another one of Mimi’s traits. The expression on her face, with her tongue out, adds attitude - carefree with a touch of cheekiness. It’s really important to consider all these elements when it’s a commission and check with the client. 

It is also a good idea to ask how they want to be portrayed. She may be quiet and reserved but would like to be expressed as confident or heroic.  You may be thinking of a calm and gentle personality, pastel hues and flowers 🤔, when in fact, she wants to be portrayed as a superhero. All of these features also add to the narrative.

Why is Narrative Important?

I’m inspired by artists from history such as Toulouse Lautrec, Frida Kahlo and Francis Campbell Cadell to name a few. I greatly admire the narrative element, a prominent feature in their art. Their paintings ignite stories in our imagination from first viewing, a concept I try to embrace and convey in my own work.

As humans, we love stories, we are hardwired to respond to narratives. Stories trigger our emotions, and imagination and save ideas to memory. They can even shape our beliefs and behaviours. When we see a story in a piece of art, we interpret it based on our own experiences, uncovering personal meaning. This is a good thing! Each such experience offers a little nudge forward on life’s journey. Anything that sparks our imagination is a little deposit in our self-discovery piggy bank.

The narrative behind Fifi Trixabelle is one of wonderment and the innocence of childhood. The lack of self-consciousness and embracing life as it is, are all key elements in the story. The painting can remind us of those latent qualities within ourselves, perhaps hidden but still there. I believe that owning our true self and our story can help to set us free. And that's a massive deposit in the piggy back.

Conclusion

To wrap up, we went from, 'I don't really like portraits' to OMG! how am I going to pull this off to crafting one of my prized pics. Oh, and Daisy Jo loved it - TG!

I hope you found this article enjoyable and engaging. If there’s anything you’d like to ask me about my process, narratives or anything else, please leave a comment below or reach out to me by following this link.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Janee x

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Jane E Porter is a fine artist and illustrator from Scotland, dedicated to exploring and understanding the fascinating interplay between art, psychology and philosophy. As she navigates her own search for meaning, she shares insights and observations made over the past two decades with a delightful mix of wit and wisdom. Join her as she continues her journey, delving into these themes, offering you fresh perspectives and insights on art, identity and storytelling.

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The Shadow in the Suit: A Jungian Perspective

What do your fantasies really say about you? Who are you in your wildest dreams? Accountant? Probably not. Siren, superhero? More likely.

This recent painting is about just that, a fantasy, a desire, the wish to be someone or something else. It symbolises the 'Hero' archetype, the 'Shadow', and the idealisation of the superhero. It's about that yearning to transcend our ordinary, perhaps boring lives, to embody something greater, something extraordinary where we feel respected and powerful.

The black suit - a mask, his heroic alter ego that he presents to the world - is also his 'Shadow'; his silent echoes, the aspects of himself he wishes to deny or hasn't yet awakened to. The painting tells a story of vulnerability squeezed into hiding by a façade of fantasy. In this portrayal of a young man, his longing to surpass his ordinary life is influenced by his cultural identity and the societal expectations that surround him.

Superheroes and the Power of Archetypes in Pop Culture

In the world of superheroes, costumes play a significant role. They are visual representations of the characters' identities, their powers, and their journeys. One of the most striking examples of this is Spider-Man's black and gold suit in the film 'No Way Home'.

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, known for his exploration of the human psyche, didn't specifically discuss modern-day superheroes. However, his theories on archetypes, which are universal patterns or images residing in our collective unconscious, find relevance in superhero narratives as they tap into our deepest fantasies and desires.

The Hero's Journey: The Common Narrative in Superhero Stories

Archetypes, according to Jung's theory, are universal symbols, themes, or patterns that are deeply ingrained in the human psyche and shared across cultures. They represent fundamental human experiences and emotions that are part of our collective unconscious, meaning they are inherited and present in all of us. In superhero stories, these archetypal patterns often manifest as the hero's journey, the battle between good and evil, and the discovery of one's true identity. By recognizing and understanding archetypes, we gain insights into the deeper layers of storytelling and glimpses into our own lives within these captivating tales.

One of the key archetypes Jung identified is the 'Hero,' which aligns closely with the concept of a superhero. The Hero embarks on a journey, faces and overcomes challenges, often fights evil, and undergoes personal transformation. This Hero's Journey, as it's often called, is a common narrative in superhero stories.

Peter Parker's Transformation: Embracing the 'Shadow'

In the movie, 'No Way Home,' Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, turns his red and blue suit inside out to reveal a black and gold version. This transformation of his iconic costume is more than just a very cool look I wish he'd held on to; it's a symbol of a darker time in Peter's life, a period marked by public mistrust and personal struggle. The alteration of his iconic costume serves as a visual metaphor for the internal conflict and transformation he undergoes during this pivotal part of the film's narrative.

This black suit can be seen as a manifestation of another Jungian archetype - the 'Shadow'. According to Jung, the 'Shadow' represents the darker, unconscious aspects of ourselves that we might deny or repress. In Peter's case, the act of turning the suit inside out to reveal the black suit, can be seen as a metaphor for bringing his 'Shadow' aspects to the surface, forcing him to confront and integrate them into his identity.

Discovering Ourselves Through the 'Shadow'

The 'Shadow' is not something negative to overcome, but a necessary part of our psyche to be acknowledged and accepted. Peter's journey in the black suit embodies this concept. It illustrates his internal struggle, a testament to the complexities of his character, and reminds us of the universal human experience of grappling with our darker sides.

In the realm of superheroes, Spider-Man's black suit stands out as a powerful symbol of the 'Shadow' archetype. It's a reminder that even in the world of superheroes, the journey towards self-understanding and transcendence is a crucial part of the story.

However, Spider-Man is not the only superhero grappling with their 'Shadow.' Take, for example, Batman, whose alter ego, Bruce Wayne, is driven by the trauma of witnessing his parents' murder, leading him to channel his anger and fear into vigilantism. Batman's dark, brooding persona is an embodiment of his 'Shadow,' representing his internal struggles and unresolved emotions.

Another compelling example is the Hulk, whose human counterpart, Bruce Banner, struggles with repressed anger and traumatic memories. The Hulk, a manifestation of his 'Shadow,' embodies the rage and power that Bruce tries to keep contained. This inner conflict between the mild-mannered scientist and the raging green behemoth is a constant battle for control, reflecting the complexities of the 'Shadow' archetype.

Beyond Superheroes: The 'Shadow' in Real-Life Figures

Beyond superheroes, the 'Shadow' archetype is evident in many real-life figures as well. Consider historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, known for his nonviolent principles, yet facing his own internal struggles and doubts. Gandhi's 'Shadow' manifested as moments of doubt and temptation during his fight for India's independence, a struggle he openly acknowledged.

Similarly, in the business world, influential leaders often wrestle with their 'Shadow' traits. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was renowned for his visionary leadership but also had a reputation for being demanding and uncompromising. His brilliance and ambition were undeniable, but they also led to internal conflicts and strained relationships with colleagues.

The above examples demonstrate that the 'Shadow' archetype isn't just present in superhero narratives, it's part of all of us. The conflicts and complexities of these characters and real-life figures resonate with us because they reflect our own internal battles.  Sometimes, we don't like certain traits in others, but could they be traits that we, in fact, possess ourselves? Do you know someone who is continually critical and controlling towards others, without awareness that they are indeed, the biggest culprit. These are examples of the 'Shadow' at work. By exploring and acknowledging our 'Shadow' aspects, we can learn valuable lessons about self-acceptance, personal growth, and the universal human journey towards wholeness.

Embracing and integrating the 'Shadow' is not about succumbing to darkness and becoming the villain of our own story, but a transformative journey towards self-awareness and personal growth. Awakening to our hidden aspects and unconscious desires allows us to achieve a greater understanding of ourselves. 

My portraits and characters have always been about telling stories, the life and persona behind the image. In my upcoming series for a book about archetypes, I'm creating characters based on reality and fiction, inspired by characters I've met, both in my mind and in my life. Their struggles may be more important than their strengths and powers as this is what makes them relatable; for example, the Warrior is not only fearless and courageous, she grapples with the burden of responsibility and her desire for retribution.

When we become open to our 'Shadow,' and embrace it, we unlock the potential to transform ourselves. By learning to own up to our true self, warts and all, we achieve a deeper connection with others as we no longer operate within the confines of a fictional character. And, we are far more powerful than we may believe. We have the power to change! We can soften our rough edges and find compassion for our shadow parts we wish to avoid, perhaps like the 'Warrior's' shadow that seeks retribution. 

To Wrap Up

The power of story lies in its ability to create connection, through words and images. We relate to the internal conflicts the protagonist is facing in the novels we read and the movies we consume. We secretly imagine ourselves donning the suit and saving the day. In that moment, we're not just observers, but part of the story. We're living the narrative, feeling the protagonist's struggles and triumphs as our own. This is the transformative power of story - it allows us to step into another's shoes, to see the world through their eyes, and perhaps, to understand ourselves a little better.

I hope you found this article engaging and entertaining.  If you did, please share the love by clicking on one of the share buttons.  And please share any thoughts, questions, or suggestions in the comments below.

Have a wonderful weekend.

For more art, follow me on Instagram and Facebook.  

image: The Shadow in The Suit

Portrait Commissions: The Secret to Looking Rich and Important!

People commission portraits for all sorts of reasons, and it varies from person to person. Let's explore some of the reasons why commissioning a portrait can be an incredibly rewarding experience:

• Capturing the Magic of Time: As we gaze upon a portrait, we are instantly immersed in a world of memories, emotions, and stories.  Every brushstroke and detail in the artwork preserves those precious moments for eternity.

• Unveiling Stories: Portraits have the amazing ability to tell stories. Through skillful artistry, a portrait becomes a visual narrative that reveals a hidden essence about the subject. Brushstrokes, expression, and details all add depth and personality, awakening emotions that words may struggle to express. 
• Family Heirlooms: Additionally, a commissioned portrait holds the potential to become a cherished family heirloom. As time passes, it gains sentimental value, becoming a bridge that connects generations, connecting the past with the present and the future.
• Collaborating with Talented Artists: Commissioning a portrait is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a skilled and passionate artist. They pour their heart and soul into their work, and by commissioning a portrait, you become a patron of their art, supporting their creativity and dedication. It's a win-win situation!

While commissioning a portrait may not actually make you rich and important, it certainly adds a dash of charm, creativity, and playfulness to your life.  Whether you're capturing cherished memories, telling compelling stories, or making the neighbours envious, commissioning a portrait is an experience that can bring joy and a touch of whimsy to your everyday existence.

If you’d like to find out more about commissioning a portrait, please contact me or click on this link for more info.

Thanks for reading until the end.  If you found this article helpful or inspiring, please share the love.

Have a great weekend.

image: Olivia (commissioned portrait)

Symbolism: The Secret Language of Art and Life

Imagine a world without emojis 😩!!  Symbols are like secret emojis in the art world. They're little images or objects that artists use to speak to us without saying a word. 

Just as emojis add depth to our digital conversations, artists throughout history have harnessed the power of symbols to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and tell captivating stories.  Symbols let artists share big ideas, deep emotions, and incredible stories in a way that goes beyond ordinary pictures and emojis.

Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist, used symbols to express her innermost thoughts and experiences. Her self-portraits were a prominent part of her artistic repertoire. Frida used her own image as a symbol of self-expression, exploring themes of identity, individuality, and self-reflection.

Nature and its elements were another recurring motif in Frida's paintings. Symbolic representations of animals, such as monkeys, deer, and birds, often appeared in her works. Monkeys represented both playfulness and pain, while deer symbolized vulnerability and birds signified freedom and escape.

Frida incorporated symbolic objects and elements like flowers, thorns, and broken columns. Each had its own unique significance, representing various aspects of her life, emotions, and struggles. When people looked at her art, these symbols made them curious and encouraged them to think more deeply about what they meant. It was like an invitation to explore and understand the emotions and stories that were hidden beneath the surface of her paintings.

Symbolism in art is an enchanting realm where hidden stories and emotions come to life.  It has this amazing ability to make us feel things we can't explain. It goes beyond our conscious thoughts and taps into something much deeper. Symbols can spark incredible stories in our minds or bring back memories we thought were forgotten.  And the best part: we don't have to know what the artist meant. Our own interpretation is just as relevant as theirs.  It's like a collaboration between us and the artist, where our imagination meets theirs.

Symbols are everywhere, movies, art, books, and gaming, waiting for you to decode their hidden messages.  Explore the world of symbolism, and let your imagination soar as you decipher the secret language of art and life.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please spread the love! 💕

image: Self-Portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird/Google Arts & Culture

The Tortured Soul Creates Art

I am lost, I am blessed, creative and a mess, 

I am medicated, stoned and obsessed.
I am confused, I’m sad and driven nearly mad, 
I am alone, I’m guilty and possessed.
I am courageous and terrified, 

I’m secretive and I’ve lied, 
I am success, a failure and 

God knows how I’ve tried.

I’m tormented, I am strong, 

yet weak and I was wrong 
about so many things.

I am rejected, I am knocked, 

temporarily blocked.  
I am powerless and under repair.
I am questioning, unsure, 

altered and impure, 
I am doubt and I’m out of control.
I am determined, I am fear, 

I am real, I am here.
I am the artist’s tortured soul.