Pleasing Self-Portraits

Self-portraits can seem difficult, especially for the beginning artist, but they are a wonderful way of practicing sketching the human form. Any teacher who has observed a student evolving from the basic stick figure drawings to the composition of a recognizable face can attest to the pride in seeing their reflection in a work of art. The following are examples of how self-portraiture was integrated in a variety of different ways at Elbow Park School in Calgary.

Mathematical Mystery Picasso Self-Portraits

By Ms. Montanero’s Grade 1 Class

Materials Required:

-        Dice

-        “Roll A Picasso Portrait” handout

-        Sketch paper and pencil

-        Watercolor paper

-        Watercolor pencils

-        Brushes and water

-        Markers for outlining and texture

1.     In class students have a discussion about the famous artist Picasso and the types of art he created. They observe several examples of his work.

2.     From there, students are provided with a sheet of paper that contains a grid of different ways to draw facial features. They are also provided with a die to roll.

3.     They need to keep track of the facial features they are drawing on the grid along with the number they roll on their die.

4.     A rough sketch is created as students complete the die rolling activity.

5.     A good copy is developed, emphasizing a large size for the head and any creative arrangement of the facial features which they desire in the style of Picasso.

6.     The good copy is completed with watercolor pencils and felt outlining. The benefit of watercolor pencils is that younger students can choose to have solid colors or a blend of colors without going overboard!

Each portrait is an “original” as the number of combinations seems endless! For this project, the art work can be complimented by an “I Am” poem to describe students through thoughts, feelings and dreams.

Colorful Oil Pastel Self-Portraits

By Grade 4

 

Materials Required:

-        Camera

-        Photo editing program – Available Windows programs, Photobucket or PicMonkey

-        Printed photos of students

-        Sketch paper and pencils

-        Heavier paper with some tooth to hold the layers of pastel

-        Oil pastels

This project was developed through a year-long inquiry about what it means to be an agent of change. The self-portraits were created to help enhance a stop-motion animation film, each being several frames long. The effect was amazing, as multitudes of different faces in all colors flashed across the screen.

1.     Take a couple of classes to introduce the concept of facial balance and proportion. Go through step-by-step, drawing a basic head shape, the grid lines vertically and horizontally, and then adding each facial feature. For more information on this process, see: http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/05/drawing-a-head/

2.     Have students practice this process independently. The repetition will give them more confidence in their drawing ability.

3.     Next, have them experiment with pastel blending. The students will naturally be drawn to colors they connect with. Emphasize blending the colors together, not with Kleenex or their fingers! Oil pastels blend best by adding more pastel. Encourage the use of the white pastel, as this will add to the dimension of their drawing and help show a light source.

4.     Students at this point should choose a key color they will use, and 2 to 4 other colors for blending.

5.     Photo time! Have a fun day simply taking close-up pictures of each other. It is important to create a comfortable environment for the students to give genuine expressions they are going to use for their artwork. After many discussions about being agents of change, their expression should reflect a sense of pride and taking action!

6.     Once students have selected their preferred image, the photo is edited by changing the contrast. By making the photo more high contrast (more black and white, less grey), students can more easily see areas where the light hits their face.

7.     Have students do several practice sketches of themselves. They might want to start by directly drawing on their printout to get the general outline of their personal facial features. They can then complete additional sketches freehand in their sketchbook.

8.     Lightly sketch onto the heavy paper for the good copy.

9.     Coloring! Demonstrate for students how to start in the darker shaded areas of the face – such as between the eyes and around the chin – and work their way to the highlights – such as their cheeks and forehead.

10.  Students will need to be constantly blending different colors in with their key color to get the layered effect, depth in their self-portrait and unity of the entire face. Make sure to remember to lighten the face where the light source hits it!

11.  Complete the piece with a complimenting color for the background. Keep it bright, but ensuring it does not take away from the self-portrait.

Painted Pop Art Self-Portraits: Transformed

By Grade 6

These portraits were done at the beginning of the year. The intention is, as the students grow as citizens throughout the year, the artwork will change as well. Students will revisit these self-portraits in June to enhance them with a variety of multi-media.

Materials Required:

-        Camera

-        Photo editing program – Available Windows programs, Photobucket or PicMonkey

-        Printed photos of students

-        Sketch paper and pencils

-        Canvas board 8X10

-        Acrylic paint

-        Multimedia collage projects for phase 2!

Phase #1

1.     If students need practice with drawing the face, please use steps 1 and 2 from the above activity.

2.     Have students observe Andy Warhol style paintings and his use of minimal lines and strong colors.

3.     Photo time! Encourage students to bring out their personality in their photo. Are they outgoing? Shy? Thoughtful? Just go with it!

4.     Once students have selected their preferred image, the photo is edited by changing the contrast. Change the photo to black and white and reduce the photo to the minimal lines by adjusting the contrast. The photo should be almost all black and white. Increase the saturation to bring back some texture.

5.     Students should practice several sketches of their face before they begin their good copy, paying attention to thin lines, thick line and texture.

6.     You may want to have them prime the canvas board with white before beginning their piece.

7.     Ensure when the students draw their image on the canvas that their body is grounded. This means the bottom of their drawing meets the bottom of the canvas.

8.     The painting is completed with black acrylic and fairly small brushes.

9.     Students were also given the choice of adding a feature color on their piece for added effect, emphasis or as a background color.

Phase #2

1.     Have students revisit their art. Have them reflect on what they liked and disliked about their art. Do they feel the same about the art? Different?

2.     Pose the question: If you could change your self-portrait, what would you do?

3.     Pose the question: How could changes to your artwork reflect the changes and growth in yourself throughout the year? This could be their personality, their experiences, friendships, field trips, productions…something memorable. Have students make a list of these thoughts.

4.     Show some examples of “collage portraits” with a simple Google search. It will fuel the creativity!

5.     Explore different kinds of media including pastel, magazines, tissue paper, 3D materials, photos, maps, etc. Give them a class to practice doing some collaging: cutting out letters or phrases, creating a Wordle, developing a pattern or searching in their notebooks for doodles and sketches they made.

6.     Students need to create a plan for their transformed piece, in which they sketch their original painting and decide where the changes will be made. Will it be in the background? In their clothing? On their face? The possibilities are endless.

7.     Complete the transformation!