The major task for this unit is to create an expressive portrait or self-portrait, using any materials that students have at home. What makes a portrait expressive? It might be the use of color, the lighting and shadow, the figure’s pose or facial expressions, or even the setting and props. For that matter, what counts as a portrait? Does a portrait have to be beautiful or flattering to the subject? And what makes this genre so important?
Students began by looking at some famous portraits and digging to find out about their cultural and historical contexts. Then, everyone chose a portrait they really enjoyed, and did an in-depth investigation of that artist and work. In their own artworks, students might choose to explore something specific about that artist’s approach, such as their color palette or mark-making technique.
We have recently completed a demo on facial proportions and measurements. Now, we are looking at how to render the face to make it look three-dimensional. Stay tuned for more!
