Look at yourself - Painting a self portrait

This is a clip from the first self portrait I ever did. It was completed last year. The entire painting is posted on my website. This is what most people think of, or something similar, when doing a self portrait.
Earlier this spring, before my blog, I thought about doing one self portrait drawing per week. (I think I did only two.) But recently the idea of doing a portrait of someone without them being in the picture has fascinated me. See my earlier post (August 7) Portrait of my Father. So of course that got me to rethinking the idea of doing another self portrait.
A good self portrait without yourself in the picture should have two main points.
1. It should have a good story behind it.
2. Your family or friends should recognise you in it.

My wife might recognise me in this and say it is a true self portrait. But I don't think I like the lighting.
Here is my self portrait. I think my family would recognise me in it, and there is a story behind the painting.

This is a very low key painting. Other than the highlights, the highest value is actually a mid-tone.

Gave Up The Day Job
8x10 oil on canvas

SOLD

How appropriate to post this on Labor Day.
I am very fortunate. I have a wonderful wife who believes in me. So much so, that after working for 30 years I was able to "give up the day job" and chase a dream. I used to work for engineering firms doing electrical system design. I had to wear these boots for years in chemical plants, aluminum mills, refineries and other nasty places. When I decided to go full time into art, last November, I now only wear them to mow the lawn. So here is my self portrait.... without me being physically in the picture.