Not Just a Self-Portrait

Portrait painting of a young woman with cat — "My Precious," oil on canvas, 24 x 30 in., by Sybiline

A contemporary artist who simply goes by the name Sybiline is a Canadian artist based in Drummondville, Quebec. After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in visual art, she continued her research, self-taught, on traditional techniques of ancient painting.

Fascinated by the art of the portrait, she rapidly explored the depths of human identity. She drew inspiration from the morphology, thoughts, and emotions that she transmits through a refined feminine energy. At the heart of her work, she calls upon the world of dreams as well as the mythological, imaginary, and symbolic worlds. She considers painting to be an invaluable way of establishing silent and confidential contacts with her audience. She longs to deliver, for a moment at least, mirrors of ourselves.

On Painting the Self-Portrait “My Precious”

BY SYBILINE

This painting is not just a self-portrait. I am physically represented of course, but it also aims to be a representation of my values, my feelings, and my creative universe.

It is very difficult to talk about ourselves. As an artist, I think that some introspection is necessary. I think a portrait, whether it is ours or someone else’s, is never complete without incorporating a reflection of our inner life. For my part, it is by asking myself certain questions that I managed to make this painting. For example: What are my favorite colors, what makes me dream the most, was I born at the right period, with whom do I share my thoughts, or on what subject am I uncompromising?

I think that a portrait must open the window of the heart. When I work on portraits, I often make correlations between the physical aspect and the spiritual complexity of the human being. Each of the traits corresponds to his or her personal landscape.

In this painting, I think my strength is in gentleness and patience. I would like these values to better inhabit our world. Since I love animals and one of my cats is constantly glued to me (even when I paint!), I consider him to share my world. So it was only normal that he shared my painting. I wish there was more tenderness for animals in general. They are our equals.

In regards to the technical side of the work, it is oil on canvas, 24 x 30 inches. I work in several superimposed layers that I let dry before returning to work. The more I go, the more I work transparently, and the more details I add.

As an artist, I know that failures are common so we should not be afraid. I also know that on occasion, it is also our turn to reap the rewards of our labor. If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be this: If you think your artwork meets all of your personal artistic criteria, give it a go!

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Additional Paintings by Sybiline:

Portrait painting of a man — Sybiline, “Mindfulness,” oil on canvas

Portrait of a young woman with cat — Sybiline, “5 O’Clock,” oil on canvas

Oil painting of a cat — Sybiline, “Craving,” oil on panel

Figurative painting of a woman — Sybiline, “Amnesia,” oil on canvas

Contemporary realism painting — Sybiline, “Reaching Out,” oil on canvas

Portrait of a man — Sybiline, “Musing About the Future,” oil on paper pasted panel

Portrait of a young woman — Sybiline, “Peaceful Child,” oil on panel

“My Precious” is available at 33 Contemporary.

Sybiline focuses mainly on her personal works and exhibits in several galleries. Her paintings have been exhibited in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Portugal, Denver, San Antonio, Reading, San Diego, Boston, Ivoryton, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, San Jose and Edmonton. Website | Instagram