For the past couple of years, I've been working on some sort of new self-portrait each month. Part of this is a simple challenge to improve my draftsmanship, and part of it is an extended journey in self discovery. Some of these portraits are just in my sketchbooks, some are very quick studies, and some, like this one, are more thought out paintings.

This one comes from studies I had been doing of my eyes, following ongoing treatment for macular degeneration. One of my close friends, another artist, suggested doing one of my eyes while laughing. I was originally quite surprised at the extent of my "laugh lines," and how closely my lines resembled a topographical map of the mountain range nearby.

In an age where we constantly try to hide, to cover up the effects of aging, I decided to highlight and be proud of the deepening lines I've acquired. I hope this just might encourage you to do the same.