Art and Design - Madame Tussauds

Art and Design
resource
Developing a self-portrait
Learning objectives
Students should learn:
to record and analyse first hand observations
to apply and extend their experience of a range of materials,
tools and processes
to explore composition, style and technique
to expand their understanding of style through analysis of other
artists’ work.
Resources required:
Worksheets 5 and 6
Paper or sketchbooks
Mirrors
Section notes on worksheets
Drawing media
(pencils, pens or charcoal)
Paints if desired
Supports the National Curriculum
for students aged 11 – 14
Students make and record a selection of observational studies to inform their work.
Following this, students work with paint or drawing media to create an expressive image of
themselves that conveys mood and emotion. Emphasis is on techniques and processes,
including the use of line, tone, colour, marks and texture. Some consideration is also given to the use of symbols in
portraiture to convey mood, emotion and life-experience. Both worksheets encourage peer assessment of work.
Discussion points
How can you show your personality in a
self-portrait?
How could you use colour, texture or position of
the face to show emotion most effectively in a
self-portrait?
What makes a self-portrait powerful?
Do you think the materials used make any
difference? What about the combining of
different materials?
Do you think words or an explanation would add
to the portrait or does it speak for itself?
Extension activities
Ask students to take photocopies of their drawings and photographs (from different angles) of
themselves. They should then cut and reorganise this material, combining it with other images or text
to create an image of self. They could also make a personal statement and insert it into the picture.
Students could work in pairs, experimenting with digital photography to create images of themselves.
They may like to create a silhouette (using a strong, directional light to create the silhouette).
They can then fill that silhouette in with collage items.
Brief students to create a digital self-portrait using Adobe Photoshop (or a similar programme) to
manipulate a digital image of themselves. They may like to look at creating a Warhol influenced piece.
Teacher notes 4