How artists capture the transient moments and diverse expressions of"self"through the depiction of facial expressions, postures and symbolic elements (such as masks) in portrait paintings was investigated. It reveals that this creative approach reflects the artists' profound insights into their inner spiritual worlds and demonstrates their ongoing exploration and reconstruction of self-awareness in artistic practices. Research shows that portrait paintings, as a unique artistic medium, effectively convey emotions, thoughts, and inner experiences, offering artists rich possibilities for self-expression.