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Lesson
3
Self-Portraits
Instructional Objectives
The students will:
- take note of details in famous artwork found on the Internet
- draw a self-portrait
- paint a self-portrait using the art tools appropriately,
and mixing and blending tempera paints
- critique their own artwork
- talk about their artwork with others
Time Required
Two 45 min. - 1 hr. periods, plus independent work time.
Advance Preparation
Have a Hot List, collection
of Frida Kahlo's Self-Portraits as examples,
or several books with Frida's self-portraits ready and available. Make
sure you have all the art materials you are going to need, and that you
have figured out the management of the materials.
Materials/Resources Needed
Computer with Internet connection.
Collection of Frida Kahlo's self-portraits in the form
of a page with images from the Internet, bookmarked sites or images in
books.
Paper (12" x 18"), pencils, art gum erasers, and paints
(watercolor or tempera) for painting the self-portrait.
Vocabulary
Self-portrait: painting, drawing, etc. of one
self, done by one self.
Decoration: anything used for decorating: ornament.
Decorate: to add something to so as to make more
attractive; adorn; ornament.
Outline: a line bounding the limits of an object,
showing its shape; contour line.
Highlights: a) a part on which light is brightest
b) a part of a painting, photograph, etc. on which light is represented
as brightest c) the representation or effect of
such light in a painting.
Sketch: a simple rough drawing or design, done
rapidly and without much detail.
Blend: to mix or fuse thoroughly, so that the
parts merge and are no longer distinct.
Procedures
- Show the students a collection of Frida Kahlo's self-portraits.
Use books or go to sites with samples of her work such as:
Orazio Centaro's Art Images on The Web http://ocaiw.com/catalog/index.php?lang=en&catalog=pitt&author=464&page=1 (Select the self-portraits only. Preview the site before
use with students. Advertisements at bottom may not be appropriate. I chose
to use aWord document that I prepared of Frida
Kahlo's Self-portraits)
- Discuss her style, and how she usually includes her pets
in her self-portraits, and/or has ribbons, banners or notes on them as
well.
- Tell the students that they will be making a self-portrait
in the style of Frida Kahlo. Provide the students with the necessary paper
(I like to use 12" x 18"), pencils, art gum erasers, and hand mirrors.
- Have the students look at themselves in the mirrors and to
begin by drawing the basic shape of their face lightly. TIPS: Tell the students to draw their face slightly larger than real life, or
to draw big (in proportion to the paper). They will be able to erase the unnecessary
lines when done.
- After they have the basic shape drawn lightly they can look
in the mirror and try to make the shape of their face more accurate (goes
in a bit by the eyes, cheeks stick out a little, etc.)
- Continue by drawing the facial features and ears. TIP: If
you divide the face into thirds with horizontal lines, you can see that
for the most part the facial features fit within the middle third, the
eyebrows or eyes being on the top line, and the lips at the bottom line.
Erase lines afterwards. Ears usually are from eyes to mouth. Neck, shoulders
and hair are next.
- After the students have drawn themselves
have them add their pets, favorite animals or flowers, or any other appropriate
decoration. TIP: if there is a lot of space at the top of the paper the students can draw
a banner with their name.
Another day or at a later time:
- (This can be done another day if desired)
When the pencil drawing is done the children can paint their self-portraits
with their chosen medium. I had my students use tempera paint, because
it is a visual arts standard in my state
for this year to use and blend tempera paint. TIP: start by painting the flesh. Generally speaking paint starting from the
inside and head outwards to avoid smudging. Do a demo for the students
before allowing them to begin their work.
- When the self-portraits are done have the students share
it with the class by showing it, talking about it and saying one thing
they don't like about their work and two that they do (Visual
Arts Standard).
*Students may need several days to complete the painting.
Activities
- Examine and discuss self-portraits by Frida Kahlo
- Make a self-portrait in the style of Frida Kahlo
- Critique one's own work
Extensions
The students can write about why they chose the pets
and decorations they added to their self-portrait, and why they used the
colors they did.
Homework
Answer the following question: If you could interview
Frida Kahlo what would you ask her, or what would you say to her?
Evaluation
Teacher observation first: did this student learn something
new? Did their work improve compared to previous work? etc.
Rubric For Self-portrait Painting
| Completed task? |
yes no
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| Does the painting include all necessary body parts? (nose,
ears, shoulders, etc.) |
yes no
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| Does the painting include the student's pet or favorite
animal? |
yes no
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| Does the painting include other decorations? |
yes no
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| Is the paper filled with color? (no plain white paper
spots) |
yes no
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| Is it neat? |
yes no
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| Did the student use the colors appropriately? |
yes no
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| Did the student blend colors? |
yes no
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Rubric for Sharing (critique)
| Did the student share one thing he/she doesn't like about
his/her work? |
yes no
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| Did the student share two things he/she does like about
his/her work? |
yes no
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| Did the student speak loud and clear? |
yes no
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| Did the student show the portrait in a way that all could
see the work (and without blocking his/her own face)? |
yes no
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The teacher can assign points to the items to record a
grade.
Illustrative Materials
Hot List of sites for the students
to find examples of Frida's work.
Frida Kahlo's Self-Portraits Word Document.
Student
Work Samples
Home
Jessica N. Rivera
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