Self Portraits -4th Grade

Oil pastel self portraits by the 4th graders, created using the gridding technique. photo 8 x 10, drawing 16 x 20. Great job guys and gals!

Painted Self-Portraits

Kindergartners used mirrors to draw a self portrait. Then, added color with crayon and watercolor.

Paul Klee Inspired

credit:http://www.squidoo.com/paul-klee. Original "Senecio" by Paul Klee

The Kindergartners traced shapes on orange construction paper to create a portrait inspired by Paul Klee's original. We talked about cubism and use of shape and color. First traced in pencil, then outlined in ink. Next, we added oil pastel crayon and chalk. Then, watercolor wash in warm tones... and finally rolled tempera paint (also in warm tones.)

Artist Emulation

One class that I taught during my student teaching experience was a High School beginning 2D course. I had a lot of lesson ideas in mind, but I really did not have a good sense of what THEY were interested in learning. So, I created an "independent study" allowing each student to design a project to fit their interests and talents. I created a "Independent Study Contract" and we headed to the library to do some research. Each student was asked to pick an artist of interest to emulate into a self portrait. While we were in the library, I also had them answer some specific questions about what they learned about the artist, why they picked he/she, and so forth. I also printed an image of their work for each student and took a portrait of each student (day 1) The next day the students were asked to finish their "contract" by choosing a media/medium to work in, as well as the dimensions of the the paper within 12 x 18 and 18 x 24.  They began sketching, experimenting with their medium, and got the  "ok" on their contract.  From here the students worked independently (with individual assistance ask requested.)  At the end of the unit the students turned in their self-portrait, contract, and artist example. Half of their grade was based on following directions (completing contract, turning in all elements of the project, etc.) The other half was based on their Self-Portrait (use of material, emulation quality, etc.) This project demonstrated individual strengths and interests, which was my goal as a short-term teacher. Overall, I would do this again with some alterations to ensure good quality work (I was a bit relaxed in that department!) This was a good project to exercise skills in both following directions and problem solving...both very important in the art room!

Fifth Grade Mixed Media Self-Portaits

The Fifth Grader's worked on the figure, specifically portraiture for the entire ten weeks I was student teaching. As a capstone this to this project (The Giving Quilt Project) as well as their Portrait unit, we worked on self portraits combing tempera paint and attached fabric. It took about 5 (45 min.) class periods to complete from start to finish. I mounted the portraits the day we hung the show at the assisted living facility-nothing like cutting it close!

By: Molly

 

Here is another example of a Kindergarten Self-Portrait. Molly has really grasped the idea that the head is similar in shape to an egg, ha! I love the lip to nose proportion- still working on that idea. Overall, great first attempt at the self portrait, Kindergarten Molly.
For the past five months Justin and I have been living without internet, and for the most part it has worked for us. It's great to put "check my facebook" on my list of things to do, but on the other hand it limits my time for blog updating. I've found myself reading nearly twice as much and researching the old fashioned way-with books, when needed. For now, coffee shops-laundry mats-and hidden nic's and cranny's on campus will suffice my internet needs-but please excuse my slow updates.

Currently, I am in the finishing stages of my school wide unit lesson plan at Glenwood City Elementary school, titled The Giving Quilt Project. I will be hanging their show in the community in the week to come- with pictures to follow, pinky swear.