Seeing Yourself

Seeing Yourself lesson plan

Here's a great way to make a life-sized self-portrait - on a mirror with Crayola® Washable Window Markers or Crayola Window Crayons! Use these bright colors for a glamorous effect.

  • 1.

    Many artists have created interesting portraits and self-portraits. The difference between the two types of drawings or paintings is that a <I>portrait</I> is a drawing of someone else, while a <I>self-portrait</I> is a drawing of yourself.

  • 2.

    Look at Andy Warhol's portraits of Mick Jagger, done in 1973. These drawings combine prints and line drawings. Study the line drawing portions of the portraits.

  • 3.

    Andy Warhol, like other artists, looked closely at the features of the person he was drawing. To make your self-portrait, look closely at your face in an unbreakable mirror. Hold your head still. Trace your facial features as you see them with Crayola Washable Window Markers or Crayola Window Crayons. Only your eyes should move. If you move, reposition your face in the lines you have already drawn on the mirror.

  • 4.

    When you finish tracing all of your features, add a few lines for your hair, neck, and shoulders. Then step back from your portrait.

  • 5.

    Fill in your portrait with additional marker colors for a unique, interesting effect. To make changes, simple wipe off the marker color with a damp paper towel. Dry before drawing again.

Benefits

  • Children compare the meanings of <I>self-portraiture</I> and <I>portraiture</I>.
  • Students examine Andy Warhol's <I>Mick Jagger</I> series(1973) of portraits.
  • Children create self-portrait drawings on unbreakable mirrors.

Adaptations

  • Children with special needs may find it easier to draw each other before drawing themselves, or to work with a photograph.
  • When you have traced your features several times on various mirrors, try to draw your face on a sheet of paper, while looking in a mirror, for a more traditional self-portrait.
  • Study the self-portraits of several artists for interesting comparisons of style, color, and technique. Some artists to examine include Vincent Van Gogh, Albrecht Durer, and Frida Kahlo.