Self Portraits

All the portraits in this video are of an artist named Vincent van Gogh. They are called self portraits because he painted the portraits of himself. He painted over 30 self portraits in 3 years. He believed that portrait painting would help him develop his skills as an artist. You can also develop your skills as an artist by creating a self portrait. Part of being an artist is learning how to use your observation skills. Look in the mirror. Even if you are a twin, you are uniquely made. You are designed by God. The Bible tells us, "You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13). Carefully looking at how God created you, is a way of using your observation skills. What features do you see? What shape is your face? What color is your skin? What color is your hair? Is it straight? Curly? What color are your eyes? 

Objectives:

In this lesson you will:
  • create a self portrait
  • practice skills to develop craftsmanship
  • explore placement and proportion
  • share your artwork with others

Materials:

construction paper, mirrors, pencils, crayons, scissors, glue sponges

Process:

  • Fold a piece of flesh tone paper in half, and then in half again. Open it up.
  • Draw a large oval that touches all four points on the edge at each fold crease.
  • Draw 2 small egg shapes for the eyes on the fold. Draw a "U" shape inside each egg and darken in a pupil in the center. Add eyelashes and eyebrows.
  • Draw a "u" for the nose halfway from the eyes to the chin. Add nostrils on either side of the "u".
  • The mouth is halfway between the bottom of the nose and the chin. The mouth is as wide as the pupil in the eyes. Try to draw the mouth to show both lips.
  • The ears start at the eyebrow and end at the bottom of the nose.
  • When you finish drawing your face, cut it out and glue it on a colored piece of construction paper.
  • Color in your eyes, mouth and other details. 
  • Cut out hair from construction paper and glue in place.
  • Display and see who you recognize.

Standards:

  • VA:Cr2.1
  • VA:Cr2.3
  • VA:Cr3.1
  • VA:Re7.2
  • VA:Re8.1
  • VA:Cn11.1