"I've known myself my whole life, and yet I am still discovering who I am. It is a sweet journey." ~ Lisa PHC

Self Portraits

Self Portrait, 20 x 16, 1985, collected

This is the first self portrait I ever painted.  I looked in a mirror to paint this one and you may be able to detect the fear in my eyes! 

It is 20 x 16 and was painted around 1985.

This 24 x 30 painting isn't technically a self portrait but I'm including her anyway. During the 80's I played a role playing game you have probably heard of called Dungeons and Dragons. This is a portrait of my favorite character, Beryl.

Beryl, 24 x 30, 1985, NFS

Me as a Super Hero, 36 x 24, 1989, $300

I painted this self portrait by the way I felt and I guess one might consider it a failed self portrait since no one ever recognizes it as me.  It is 36 x 24, and has two titles on the back; "Me as a Super Hero" and "Me as Super Woman."
(My sister reminded me that no one ever guesses the identity of a superhero!) 

I painted this in 1989 after I became pregnant with my first child, because I remember how super special I felt, like no one had ever done such an amazing thing before!

After all my children were born, I painted this portrait of myself with them in 1996 on a circular piece of wood 23" across. It is attached to lazy susan hardware so that it spins. Anyone with little children will understand, sometimes I felt like I was on top of the world and sometimes it felt like the world was on top of me!

Where I am Now, 23" diameter, 1996, NFS

Michele, Mom, & Me, 36 x 36, 1998, Lisa PHC

The responsibility of three little children, left me little energy or creativity to paint and I remember wondering if I was still an artist even though I didn't make art.  So in 1998 I painted this from a favorite photograph that my sister took of us during my parent's 25th anniversary.  It is 36 x36, and called "Michele, Mom, & Me."

After many years of life changing events and not painting. I moved to Colorado, lived in a beautiful place with my children and new love, and began painting again.

"Love and a View" 24 x 30, 2006

Love and a View, 24 x 30, 2006, Lisa PHC

Just Walking Through the Fields Holding Hands, 24 x 30, 2006, Lisa PHC

We lived on several acres and grew alfalfa and grasses for hay which was irrigated with pipes that had to be moved by hand everyday of the season.  One day while my husband and I were working, he said "We're Just Walking Through the Fields Holding Hands." That sentiment, a photo of the property, and a fresh study of Frieda Kahlo's artwork inspired this 24 x30 painting in 2006.

These next two self portraits just reveal parts of me and both were completed in 2009 after we had moved back to California. It was a time of great introspection.

Both "Naked Belly to the Sun," 16 x 12, and "Red Handed Before Grace," 20 x 16, acknowledge my belief in and connection to that which is greater than myself. 

"Naked Belly to the Sun" is a rather humorous and whimsical view of myself in a perfectly SoCal experience. It is simple yet deep.

Red Handed Before Grace, 20 x 16, 2009, $295

Naked Belly to the Sun, 16 x 12, 2009, $225

"Red Handed Before Grace" is about the conviction I felt at that time when I looked at myself and some actions I had committed in the years preceding and yet when I lifted my eyes and looked beyond myself to the God that loves me, grace and mercy washed over me. 

I made this painting at the beginning of 2012 as I was considering words to set the tone for the year (Capable, Resourceful, and Ingenious) and making a list of the plans and goals towards which to work. 


It is loosely formed and rough but with an obvious intent as are my 2012 strategies.

Intent, 30 x 24, 2012, collected

Contact lisaphc@aol.com to arrange purchase.