Assignment
# 7 – Dramatic Self Portrait
Painting a self-portrait does not necessarily have to be done using skin
colors. A portrait can be just as successful using unrealistic colors
like yellow, blue, red, green, etc. In class, we will see examples of
such portraits by artists like Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.
Begin preparing for this assignment by drawing someone's face. Next, you
will need to sketch yourself by using a mirror or photo. Try to show lights and
darks and be careful to get the right proportions of your facial features.
The distance and size of the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. are the most important
to get right. This is crucial in making a successful portrait.
Next, on a 10 X 15 bristol page, prepare a layout for your portrait that crops you face in some interesting way. once you have an approved layout, draw it on illustration board, and paint it using
bold, unrealistic colors. You can use as many colors as you want, but
try to achieve some aesthetic harmony in your painting. Be sure to use value
to show lights and darks, by mixing in white and black with your colors.
This is the final assignment, so be sure to give it your best!
examples of student self-portraits:
