Learning Objectives

  • Students describe themselves, who they are as a person and what they like, using drawn images
  • Students draw from observation using mirrors
  • Students utilize facial proportion to place facial features
  • Students exhibit a variety of line and shading using charcoal
  • Students write a story that explains their portrait

    • Materials

    Mirrors, charcoals (compressed, vine), graphite pencils, 18" x 24" drawing paper, writing paper, project sample, visual aids

    Vocabulary

    Proportion, scale, value, texture, self-portrait

    Artists

    Lorenzo di Credi, Leonardo da Vinci, Francesco Francia

    Lesson

    Using portraits of the Italian Renaissance that allude to the sitter's name and background through use of symbols and imagery as our example, students are to create their own self-portrait drawn from observation that tells the viewer about themselves. Students are also taught facial proportion, and asked to lightly sketch proportion lines over their initial head shapes to help place their facial features. The lesson ends with students sharing their portraits and taking turns telling the class a little about themselves and why they've drawn what they've drawn. Works well for a first class of the year lesson to get to know your students better and their drawing capabilities.

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