Using a black-and-white photograph overlaid with a grid, Close created his earliest monumental paintings with an air brush and boundless patience. He took as his guiding philosophy the idea that, as he says, "the process will set you free."		Left: Study for Self-Portrait Photographed 1967; dated 1968 Photograph, pen and ink, pencil, masking tape, acrylic, wash, and blue plastic strips on cardboard 18 5/8 x 13 3/8" The Museum of Modern Art, New York Right: Big Self-Portrait 1967-68 Acrylic on canvas 107 1/2 x 83 1/2" Walker Art Center, Minneapolis