How To Create a Cut-Paper Portrait

HOW TO CREATE A CUT-PAPERPORTRAIT

A Value Study and Enlargement Technique8th Grade ArtSt. Francis de Sales SchoolMr. Hooks

Cut-Paper Portrait

Start with a photograph Photo should have a good amount of contrast

Cut-Paper Portrait Import photo into Photoshop If color- Go to image: mode: greyscale save a copy as greyscale image Go to image: adjustments: posterize.When prompted, save photo with 4 - 5 different values

Cut-Paper Portrait

Decide for yourself if the photo looks more simplified with 4 or 5 levels of value. Save your image and print on an 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper

Cut-Paper Portrait Trace with pencil around the edges for each shape in photo (remember to simplify edges) Number different areas of value from 1 through 4 (or 5) Now’s lets enlarge:

Cut-Paper Portrait

Enlarge by creating a one-inch grid across entire surface of 8.5 x 11” paper Number and letter axes of your grid (letters on one edge -numbers on perpendicular edge -think BATTLESHIP!!) When complete set aside

Cut-Paper Portrait On a 12 x 18” sheet of white drawing paper, Create a grid with the corresponding number of grid lines. ( for this size the grid will be roughly 1.5”) for a 1:1.5 ratio. Number and letter axes of your grid as you did with smaller sheet.

Cut-Paper Portrait Transfer shapes to larger sheet from smaller sheet one square at a time, row by row, or column by column Go over all lines with black bold marker Remember to number values as you did with smaller sheet

Cut-Paper Portrait

Choose 4 - 5 colors of construction paper to represent values that you numbered earlier

Cut-Paper Portrait

With masking tape, attach enlarged portrait to light source such as window or light table Identify all areas of #1 value – choose color to represent value and trace shapes onto construction paper

Cut-Paper Portrait

Repeat procedure with all values chosen

** You Should Be Able To Layer Smaller Shapes Above Larger Shapes**

Cut-Paper Portrait

Repeat procedure with all values chosen

** You Should Be Able To Layer Smaller Shapes Above Larger Shapes**

Cut-Paper Portrait

Repeat procedure with all values chosen

** You Should Be Able To Layer Smaller Shapes Above Larger Shapes**

Cut-Paper Portrait

Repeat procedure with all values chosen

** You Should Be Able To Layer Smaller Shapes Above Larger Shapes**

Cut-Paper Portrait When all shapes have been traced use scissors or an xacto knife to cut out each shapePLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH XACTO KNIVES, USE ONLY WITH ADULT SUPERVISION.

Cut-Paper Portrait Arrange cut pieces of construction paper to rebuild portrait Remember that smaller shapes can be layered over larger shapes Use your original enlargement with black lines as a reference

Cut-Paper Portrait

Glue shapes together

CONGRATS!! You now have a finished cut-paper portrait.