Name_______________________________________________________Date___________________

2D/3D ArtBold Expressive Self Portraits

“ Every artist dips his brush into his soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures”~Henry Ward Beecher

How can the way that we portray ourselves on canvas tell the world about who we are not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically?

Through this project you will be exploring the many factors that go into making you who you are as a person. You will be creating a larger than life expressive self portrait, using a mirror, that reflects your physical characteristics as well as your internal psychologically and emotional structure.

All human begins are multifaceted and unique in their personalities and perceptions about life. Because of this we have many different ways of thinking as well as different ways of self-expression. The human mind is very complex and as we grow and have more experiences we put together the puzzle of who we are. Complex struggles can ensue as the individual wrestles with the significance of both physical and psychologically changes. Home and family life as well as the experience we go through in life are major influence as who we are emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. As artist you have the creative outlets for your thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Part One: The first part of this assignment is the initial cognitive process of the self-portrait.

List One: Physical Qualities. As you look into the mirror what do you see? You are identifying your own physical characteristics, easily identifiable qualities such as eye color hair color, skin color, the shape of your eyes, ect. Also include characteristics that might be unique to you. Do you wear glasses, have piercings, have freckles/birthmarks, how is your hair cut, is it curly, straight, braided ect. Create list below.

List Two: Who are you as a human being, what are you psychologically qualities. In this list you should list personality traits, values, emotional strengths and weaknesses. Let your adjectives flow freely. Choose words that describe and define who you are as a person (ex. Loyal, confident, angry, creative, ect). This list is confidential and will only be shared through the information you choose to portray in your work.

Part Two: Translating your words into art

Now you will translate your written language into expressive artistic language using the elements of art such as line, color, texture, shape, value and form. This is an abstract interpretation, so you should not use actual symbols. For example if you are translating the word angry or aggressive; this personal quality might be represented by bold lines, angular shapes, strong colors, rough texture ect. If you were represented friendly you might use rounded forms, soft warm colors, flowing lines, smooth texture.

What do you want to show the view about who you are? Look at your list above and narrow it down to one or two defining aspects of you.

How might your represent these personality traits in...

LINE

COLOR

FORM

TEXTURE

VALUE

Part Three: Drawing!

Materials:• mirror• drawing pencils• newsprint paper• 18x24” drawing paper• chalk pastels

Procedures:

• On newsprint using your mirror practice drawing your face with different expressions and from different angles. How can you best represent yourself and the parts of you you are trying to get across. Will you be looking right at the view in a confrontational manner, or are you looking down or away more depressed, sad or maybe shy. Remember body language tells us a lot. How is your facial expression going to be, are you frowning, laughing, is your brow furrowed? Our faces have expressive lines, how are you going to use these to your benefit.

• Your head should fill the entire space and include your neck down to the top of your shoulders.• Be honest in your representation of yourself. It doesn't need to be photo-realistic, if

exaggerating parts of your face or abstracting parts help you message then do so. Be creative! • Once you find the right facial composition, experiment with color and line before you move on

to your large paper. • Create a one inch boarder around your paper• Once you know exactly how you are going to draw yourself, show me, then you can start on

your large paper. • Start working in pencil first, use a light pencils 3H, before you start with your pastels. • When finished frame your image• When you are totally finished complete the rubric questions and artist statement within the

packet and turn in.

Rubric

What personal characteristics were you trying to portray in your work, do you think that you were successful in getting your point across to the viewer?

How did you must the elements of art to make your portrait successful.

Grade yourself 0-10 (10 is the highest) on the following

Use of materials__________Used them respectful and took care of what you used without being ask when done.

Use of time__________Used time wisely, wasn't distracted and did not distract others.

Craftsmanship____________Piece was well crafted, looks neat and complete.

Complete your artist statement and turn in full packet.

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