For artists who work with the figurative and draw from live models, quarantining can offer a new set of challenges. But figurative-based artist John MacConnell (MFA 2009 Illustration as Visual Essay) has come up with a way to keep his drawing skills honed, using himself as his own muse with the artist self-portrait. He has created a new Instagram page, the “Self Drawing Project,” that challenges artists and novices alike to contribute self-portraits.

For MacConnell, life drawing has long been a part of his weekly routine. Before the quarantine, he led a monthly drawing group at the Selina Chelsea. “I know many of my friends also draw from live models at least once a week,” he says. “This practice isn’t just a way for us to learn how to draw or to keep our skills sharp. We socialize. We’re a community.” MacConnell explained that he created this Instagram page because the coronavirus pandemic had deprived him of real connection and he was feeling down. He wanted to create a digital space to remind people that they still have a subject—themselves—and forge a community that can inspire new friends, connections and conversations.

“I wanted to give people something to do while they’re staying safe at home. It is easy to get caught up in all of the saddening news,” MacConnell said.“The project aims to inspire, challenge, and hopefully, bring a little joy to everyone.” The feed also offers viewers the opportunity to discover new artists who may have been financially burdened by the quarantine and to purchase art directly from them.

MacConnell hopes to continue and grow the project after the quarantine is over and will post submissions as long as they keep coming in. “Self Drawing Project” illustrations should be self-portraits created from observation in a mirror or from a photograph and posted while in quarantine. To submit to the project, tag the post @selfdrawingproject and #selfdrawingproject on Instagram.

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