We have studied a variety of portraits by many different artists. Let's create a portrait of our own. In fact, let's create a self-portrait in the style of Picasso. The steps below will help guide you through the artistic process.
Step 1: Gathering Information
Although we have looked at some of Picasso’s Cubist portraits as a class already, revisit the collection of Picasso's portraits by clicking HERE. Be mindful of how Picasso chooses to portray the mood of the painting. What personality trait is Picasso trying to portray? How does he portray that trait or mood?
Step 2: Developing Ideas
You now must think about the subject of your portrait - YOU! You must spend some time thinking about a personality trait you wish to portray. Think carefully about this; look deep into your own mind. Once you have thought about it, decide how you wish to portray yourself. Will you create a portrait of your face? your head and torso? a full-length portrait? Will you include items other than yourself? A symbolic item that expresses something about you perhaps?
Step 3: Exploring Options
Now that you have a firm grasp of the subject (you), the trait you wish to convey and how you might convey that trait, you are ready to begin gathering images. Take several pictures of your subject, (this means selfies or enlisting a friend to help). Be sure to take photos of any objects you want in your portrait as well. Be sure to capture multiple angles of each feature. You will need to take some extreme close-ups! Upload and save these photos to your Portraiture folder in Google Drive.
Step 4: Planning, Developing and Refining Ideas:
At this point, you should have several photos of your subject. Using your iPad, paper and a pencil, begin to sketch out a complete portrayal of your subject by using various features from several different photos. See the how-to video below for further guidance. TAKE YOUR TIME with this step. Keep exploring and trying different combinations. As you near the completion of your pencil sketch, consult with at least two different people and ask them the following questions:
After reflecting on others' comments, decide if you want to make and changes and do so. Art creation is like writing, it takes many drafts.
Step 1: Gathering Information
Although we have looked at some of Picasso’s Cubist portraits as a class already, revisit the collection of Picasso's portraits by clicking HERE. Be mindful of how Picasso chooses to portray the mood of the painting. What personality trait is Picasso trying to portray? How does he portray that trait or mood?
Step 2: Developing Ideas
You now must think about the subject of your portrait - YOU! You must spend some time thinking about a personality trait you wish to portray. Think carefully about this; look deep into your own mind. Once you have thought about it, decide how you wish to portray yourself. Will you create a portrait of your face? your head and torso? a full-length portrait? Will you include items other than yourself? A symbolic item that expresses something about you perhaps?
Step 3: Exploring Options
Now that you have a firm grasp of the subject (you), the trait you wish to convey and how you might convey that trait, you are ready to begin gathering images. Take several pictures of your subject, (this means selfies or enlisting a friend to help). Be sure to take photos of any objects you want in your portrait as well. Be sure to capture multiple angles of each feature. You will need to take some extreme close-ups! Upload and save these photos to your Portraiture folder in Google Drive.
Step 4: Planning, Developing and Refining Ideas:
At this point, you should have several photos of your subject. Using your iPad, paper and a pencil, begin to sketch out a complete portrayal of your subject by using various features from several different photos. See the how-to video below for further guidance. TAKE YOUR TIME with this step. Keep exploring and trying different combinations. As you near the completion of your pencil sketch, consult with at least two different people and ask them the following questions:
- What personality trait do you think I am trying to convey? How does I convey that personality trait in the artwork?
- Describe something I did well.
- Describe something I may want to correct or improve.
After reflecting on others' comments, decide if you want to make and changes and do so. Art creation is like writing, it takes many drafts.
Step 5: Finishing Ideas
Now, you can take your pencil sketch (complete with revisions from the previous step) and complete your artwork by adding color and line definition. See the how-to video below for further guidance.
Now, you can take your pencil sketch (complete with revisions from the previous step) and complete your artwork by adding color and line definition. See the how-to video below for further guidance.
Step 6: Final Reflection and Critique
Turn in your finished artwork and reflect on your journey through this process by completing the appropriately named activity in Edmodo.
Turn in your finished artwork and reflect on your journey through this process by completing the appropriately named activity in Edmodo.