Course Profile   Visual Arts, Grade 11, Open, Catholic and Public

 

Unit 1:  Self-Expression

Time:  22 hours

 

Activity 1 | Activity 2 | Activity 3 | Activity 4 | Activity 5

Unit Description

The expectations that represent the three strands of theory, creation, and analysis related to the study of self-expression in visual art are integrated to form this unit. In this introductory unit, students explore and reflect upon self-expression through self-portraiture. (It should be noted that sensitivity should be used in approaching this subject matter with students from certain cultures and religions.) Students will analyse the development of self-portraiture through history and apply this knowledge to their own creation. A review of basic drawing techniques, the elements and principles of design and the frontal portrait are integral to the completion of the studio projects. In evaluation of the final art project, the emphasis is on the process of selecting design elements and principles to express a message rather than on product.

Unit Synopsis Chart

Activity

Time

Expectations

Assessment

Tasks

1. Through the Looking Glass

3 hours

THV.01; CR1.03; CR2.01; CGE1e

C; A

Introduction, course outline, review and practice of contour drawing using mirrors

2. Elements and Principles of design as a means of expression

2 hours

TH1.03; CR1.02; CR1.04

K; T; C; A

Cooperative review of elements and principles of design

3. Self-Portraits through time

4 hours

THV.02; TH2.03; AN2.01; AN2.02

K; T

Historical survey of self-portraits, art critique

4. Colossal portraits

4 hours

CRV.01; CR1.02; CR2.01; CR2.02; CR2.05

C; A

Creation of large scale self-portraits without brushes

5. “Here’s looking at me kid!”

9 hours

TH1.01; CRV.02; CR1.01; CR2.01; CR3.02; AN1.05; AN1.06; AN2.01

K; T; C; A

Creation of self-portrait to express ideas and feelings about themselves in an appropriate media

 

Activity 1:  Through the Looking Glass

Time:  180 minutes

Description

The purpose of this activity is to provide students with a course overview as well as an awareness of the emphasis on expression in its various aspects throughout the course. Students will review and practise their contour drawing skills and generalized facial proportions. A contour drawing will be completed using mirrors and/or a photograph. Students choose from a variety of drawing media. The selection of the drawing medium should relate to the expression the artist is trying to convey in the self-portrait. The teaching strategies for this activity have been specifically chosen to establish a positive classroom environment in which students can develop the rapport needed in Unit 2: Body Language.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Theory, Creation

Overall Expectations

THV.01 - use appropriate terminology to discuss the art materials, techniques, and styles associated with art forms studied in the course.

Specific Expectations

CR1.03 - use personal imagery that relates to the themes and issues explored in their work;

CR2.01 - demonstrate skill in both representational and expressive drawing.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students must be familiar with basic contour drawing skills and generalized facial proportion.

Planning Notes

·         The teacher should use these short activities as an introduction to the entire course: content, assessment, evaluation, classroom and behavioural expectations, health and safety issues.

·         Introductory activities have been designed to promote classroom rapport and increase student comfort level quickly.

·         Activities offer teachers an opportunity to assess student entry-level characteristics, and make appropriate program decisions.

·         The teacher needs to prepare handouts in advance.

·         Appropriate materials need to be available for student use.

·         If a set of mirrors is unavailable, student photos could be used.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Introductory Activity: The teacher places 4-6 art reproductions representing a variety of art styles, around the classroom and guides students to view each artwork through a brief description of each image. The students are asked to choose an image that has some personal appeal or has a style of art that they wish to explore. Students stand beside the image that they have chosen. After choosing a partner from the same group, they explain why they selected this artwork. Each partner is then responsible for explaining to the larger group why their partner chose the image. This ensures “listening” accountability. A spokesperson from the group “volunteers” to explain what the general appeal was of this image. The teacher leads a discussion, which allows the students to gain an awareness/understanding that each person expresses him/herself differently and they are therefore drawn to a wide variety of images. This observation can be applied to classroom practices as all the students now realize that although some artwork may not appeal to them, it may appeal to others.

2.   Course Outline: The teacher introduces the students to the course content, structure, assessment, and evaluation. The course outline should provide a course description including the units of study and evaluation categories: Knowledge/Understanding, Thinking/Inquiry, Communication, Creation/Application from the Achievement Chart. The term work is weighted 70% and the summative evaluation is 30%. This should be communicated clearly to students in the course outline. An explanation of the sketchbook/journal, portfolios, and the culminating unit should be given. The teacher should explain the class routines and safety procedures for the classroom.

3.   Contour and Facial Proportion Review: In preparation for the self-portrait using mirrors, students complete a review of contour drawing. Students are grouped with a partner for this activity. Using a variety of still-life objects arranged by the teacher, students teach their partner how to make a contour drawing. Students teach this lesson as if their partner was unfamiliar with this drawing method and begin with basic instructions. The “teacher” should continue to instruct until their partner has become proficient at contour drawing and has completed a carefully observed contour drawing of one of the still-life objects. At this point students switch roles and the student becomes the art instructor. Students form new pairs to review the proportions of the face. One student poses while the other draws. They complete detailed extended contours lasting a minimum of five minutes. All drawings are kept for evidence of process and improvement and for final self-analysis. A facial proportions template should be provided to students either as a handout or a large representation.

4.   “The Looking Glass”- Contour Self-Portrait with Mirror: Using a mirror or photograph, students complete a self-portrait in which they capture the character expressed in their own self-image. Students select a drawing media of their choice to complete an extended contour self-portrait. The media should compliment the message they are trying to convey in their portrait. For example, if a student is working from a self-image that is clearly happy, use of a warm colour can express the mood and a soft medium could allow for wider laugh lines. After completing their self-portrait, students do a self-assessment in their sketchbook/journal. Students state their intended message, the medium selected, a description of two positive aspects of the portrait and one area for improvement. This is given to the teacher with the completed self-portrait for an assessment of students’ understanding and use of the technique of contour drawing and their selection of an appropriate medium for the desired message.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

·         The student completes a self-assessment in their sketchbook/journal.

·         The teacher assesses the suitability of the medium to the message and the evidence of and understanding of the contour technique in the submitted self-portrait. The teacher records the assessment and suggestions in the students’ sketchbook/journal.

Accommodations

·         Allow additional time for students as required.

·         Provide an outline for the written reflection.

·         Accommodations should be made for students who are not permitted to depict the human figure. There are alternative activities that fulfill the expectations for this lesson. For instance, students could expand on the final art activity for the unit in which a non-representational self-portrait is created. Instead of only creating one self-portrait, students create a series of non-representational portraits of family members or friends. Students submit a proposal for the series in which they explain the intended message and chosen elements and principles of design for each artwork. Students document technical problems they encounter in their sketchbook and display the works together once completed.

Resources

Coates, Tom. Creating a Self-Portrait. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications, 1989.
ISBN 0 8230 1010 4

Drawing, Barron’s Art Handbooks. Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., New York, 1997.
ISBN 0 7641 5007 3

Edwards, Betty. Drawing on the Right side of the Brain. Los Angeles: J. P. Tarcher, Inc., 1979.
ISBN 0 87477 088 2

Kuitor. Rembrandt: Painter of Man and the Restoration of “The Night Watch”. Videos. Crystal Publications, Inc.

Portraits by Ingres. National Gallery, 1999. Video available through Media through the Arts.

Ragans, Rosalind. Arttalk, 2nd Ed. Westerville, Ohio: Glencoe Publishing, 1995. ISBN 0 02 640295 5

Sir Joshua Reynolds Artist of the Portrait. RM Arts. 1986. video

Spence. Rembrandt and Dutch Portraiture. 1997. ISBN 0-76410290-7

Take 5 Art Prints: Self-Portraits. Set of 5 Posters. Crystal Productions, Inc.

Thematic Slide Sets: Self-Portraits 1450-1898, 1898-1932, 1934 - 1990. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Markham. Davis Art Education Materials.

 

Activity 2:  Elements and Principles of Design to Show Expression

Time:  120 minutes

Description

In this activity students create a visual display of each of the elements and principles of design. A variety of formats for the display are possible. Examples could be a booklet or three-dimensional classroom display or images generated using available computer software. Through a co-operative activity, students prove to their partner that they are knowledgeable about these design terms using the visual display they created. This knowledge is extended through a discussion of how the elements and principles of design can be utilized in art to express an intended message. Students analyse a series of art works to determine how the elements and principles of design were used to achieve an expressive image.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s): Theory, Creation

Overall Expectations

THV.01 - use appropriate terminology to discuss the art materials, techniques, and styles associated with art forms studied in the course.

Specific Expectations

TH1.03 - use appropriate terminology in their oral and written work;

CR1.02 - select elements and principles of design that best express their idea and feelings;

CR1.04 - analyse works of art that use the media and processes they wish to explore in their own work.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Students must be familiar with the elements and principles of design.

Planning Notes

·         Suitable materials must be available to students. This could range from paper and magazines to computer software depending on the chosen format for the visual display.

·         A selection of slides or reproductions of artworks are needed for the art analysis.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Students are organized in groupings of two to four students. Each student collects the best example of each of the elements and principles of design from magazines. The teacher may wish to choose a different format such as a booklet, three-dimensional display or computer design. Students confer with each other to ensure that the examples they have chosen clearly emphasize the intended element or principle of design. The best examples are placed in their sketchbook/journal with the corresponding label. This assignment is evaluated as part of the final evaluation for Activity 5 (see Unit 1, Appendix C).

2.   Through a teacher-led discussion and an analysis of a variety of art works, students explore how the elements and principles of design were used to achieve the desired expression. The following is a list of possible images to discuss:

·         Menkaure and His Wife, Queen Khamerernebty, from Giza. c.2515 B.C. Slate.

·         The Laocoon Group. 1st century B.C. Marble.

·         Goya, Francisco. The Third of May, oil on canvas, 1808

·         Munch, Edvard. The Scream, oil on canvas, 1893

·         MacDonald, J.E.H. The Tangled Garden, 1916

·         Kahlo, Frida. Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace, oil on canvas, 1940

·         Matisse, Henri. The Joy of Life or The Danse, oil on canvas, 1905-06 and 1909

·         Picasso, Pablo. The Old Guitarist, oil on panel, 1903

·         Van Gogh, Vincent. The Potato Eaters, oil on canvas, 1885

·         Van Gogh, Vincent. Starry Night, oil on canvas, 1889

·         Boccioni, Umberto. Unique Forms of Continuity in Space. Bronze cast, 1913

·         Lang, Dorothea. Migrant Mother, California. Print, 1936

·         Varley, F. H. Dharana, oil on canvas, 1932

·         Harris, Lawren. North Shore Lake Superior, oil on canvas, 1921

·         Coville, Alex. Horse and Train, 1954

·         Morrisseau, Norval. Windigo, tempera on brown paper, c. 1963

·         Wieland, Joyce. Water Quilt. Wall hanging, 1970

·         Reid, Bill. Haida Gold Box, cast gold, 1971

·         Danby, Ken. At the Crease, egg tempera, 1972

·         Ojig, Daphne. The Indian in Transition, acrylic mural, 1978

3.   A slide viewing worksheet should be provided to students and students should respond to the following two questions for each art image:

·         What expression is conveyed in this work?

·         How has the artist utilized the elements and principles of design to achieve this expression?

See Unit 1, Appendix A for an example of the slide-viewing worksheet.

Accommodations

·         Students can be provided with definitions and examples for each of the elements and principles of design.

·         Provide small reproductions of art images used in the slide survey or use a textbook as a resource for closer and extended examination of art works.

Resources

Brommer, Gerald. Discovering Art History, 3rd ed. Davis Publications Inc., 1997.

Brommer, Gerald. Elements & Principles of Design videos. Crystal Publications, Inc.
ISBN 0 87192 299 1

Mittler, Gene. Art in Focus. CA: Glencoe/McGraw Hill, Woodland Hill, 2000.
ISBN 0 02 662408 7

Ragans, Rosalind. Arttalk, 2nd ed. Westerville, Ohio: Glencoe, McGraw Hill Publishing, 1995.
ISBN 0 02 640295 5

Elements and Principles, Set of 14 Posters. Crystal Productions, Inc.

Appendices

See Unit 1, Appendix A – Slide Viewing Worksheet

 

Activity 3:  Self-portraits Through Time

Time:  240 minutes

Description

In this activity the teacher will show a series of slides representing self-portraiture through time. Students will be given the opportunity to discuss the intended message of each work while analysing the supporting use of the elements and principles of design to convey this message. After a review of art viewing strategies students complete a more detailed analysis of one self-portrait from the historical survey of self-portraits.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Theory, Analysis

Overall Expectations

THV.02 - demonstrate an understanding of art of the Western world, including Canada, and of other world cultures, that relates to the studio of the course;

Specific Expectations

TH2.03 - identify style, content, and technique in the artworks studied, and speculate on each artist’s intent.

AN2.01 - explain how representational elements and the formal organization of visual content are used in both the creation and the evaluation of artworks;

AN2.02 - explain how moods, feelings, and ideas are used in both the creation and evaluation of artworks.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students should be familiar with art viewing strategies and the elements and principles of design.

Planning Notes

A variety of expressive self-portrait images from a range of periods and styles should be available.

Students will need access to resources, from either the library or art room or the Internet, for research of their selected self-portrait.

If a teacher has available a series of self-portraits from a single artist such as Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt Van Rijn, Marie-Louise-Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun, Frida Kahlo or Albrecht Dürer, these artworks can be substituted for an historical survey of self-portraits. This would allow for students to see the change in intended message and expression over time.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Using a slide viewing worksheet (Unit 1, Appendix A), students view and record observations from a variety of expressive self-portraits. Students analyse how the elements and principles of design have been used to convey an intended expression in the images. The following is a list of suggested self-portraits to use for the historical survey.

·         Jan van Eyck. The Arnolfini Wedding. Oil on panel. 1434.

·         Jan van Eyck. Man in a Red Turban (Self-Portrait?). Oil on panel. 1433.

·         Albrecht Dürer. Self-Portrait. Oil on canvas. 1498.

·         Albrecht Dürer. Self-Portrait. Oil on canvas. 1500.

·         Leonardo daVinci. Self-Portrait. Red chalk on paper. c.1512.

·         Ottavio Leoni Caravaggio. David with Head of Goliath. Oil on canvas, c.1610.

·         Rembrandt van Rijn. Self-Portrait. Oil on canvas, c.1660.

·         Rembrandt van Rijn. Self-Portrait with St. Paul. Oil on canvas, c.1661.

·         Marie-Louise Elizabeth Vigee-LeBrun. Self-Portrait with Straw Hat

·         Gustav Courbet. The Artist’s Studio. Oil on canvas, 1854-55.

·         Cornelius Kreighoff. Self-Portrait. 1855.

·         Vincent van Gogh. Self-Portrait with fur cap & bandaged ear. Oil on Canvas, 1889.

·         Vincent van Gogh. Self-Portrait at Auvers, late 1889-1890. Oil.

·         Pablo Picasso. Self-Portrait. Charcoal on paper, 1899 – 1900.

·         Alfred Stieglitz. Self-Portrait. Platinum print, 1907.

·         Frederick Varley, Self-Portrait. Oil on canvas, 1919.

·         Frida Kahlo. Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace. Oil on canvas, 1940.

·         Francis Bacon. Self-Portrait. Oil on canvas, 1958.

·         Claes Oldenburg. Self-Portrait. Mixed media, 1969.

·         Pablo Picasso. Self-Portrait. Wax crayon on paper, 1972.

·         Jacob Lawrence. In the Studio. Gouache on paper, 1977.

·         Emily Carr. Self-Portrait. Oil

·         Kathe Kollwitz. Self-Portrait.

·         Chuck Close. Self-Portrait. Acrylic on canvas, 1997.

2.   After a review of art viewing strategies, the teacher will examine with the students the last few images from the historical survey, to demonstrate the process of review and critique. Students record notes on an art viewing strategy work sheet during this review. From the previously viewed images, the students select one image to analyse in depth. Using the suggested art viewing strategies from Unit 1, Appendix B, students complete their critique. Students will research the period, style, and information about the selected artist, using library resources. Teachers encourage students to record research in their sketchbook/journals and the most pertinent information will be summarized on their viewing strategy worksheet. As this is the first detailed art analysis completed in the course, only a written assessment will be made by the teacher. In Unit 2, this process will be evaluated.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

The teacher completes a written assessment of the art viewing strategy worksheet to confirm completion and understanding. Suggestions can be given for improvement.

Accommodations

·         Provide a key word list of art terms used for the historical survey of images.

·         Provide a completed sample of an art viewing strategy worksheet.

·         Provide assistance with research.

·         Ensure that the art viewing strategy worksheet has lines for written answers.

·         Use postcard-size reproductions or books for the images.

·         For enrichment, a student could complete comparative research of two artists.

Resources

www.artlex.com

Bell, Julian. 500 Self-Portraits. Phaidon Press Inc., 2000. ISBN 0714839590

Discovering Art History Slides. Markham: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Davis Art Education Materials.

Keys, George, Joseph J. Rishel, et al. Van Gogh Face to Face: The Portraits. Thames and Hudson, 2000.
ISBN 0500092907

Smith, Graham et al. From Ansel Adams to Andy Warhol: Portraits and Self-Portraits from the Michigan Museum of Art. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 0912303484

Thematic Slide Sets: Self-Portraits 1450-1898, 1898-1932, 1934-1990. Markham: Fitzhenry & Whiteside, Davis Art Education Materials.

Take 5 Art Prints, Self-Portraits. Crystal Productions. Glenview, Ill.

Great Museums of the World CD ROM series. Crystal Productions, Inc., Countertop Software. 1999.

Appendices

Unit 1, Appendix A – Art Viewing Worksheet

Unit 1, Appendix B – Art Viewing Strategy

 

Activity 4:  Colossal Portrait

Time:  240 minutes

Description

In this activity, students will create a very large portrait using the elements of colour and texture as tools of expression. To create this portrait, students will only use their fingers, hands and /or other non-traditional painting tools rather than brushes. The use of fingers and hands for paint application will provide students with a wide range of expressive possibilities for paint application. It is also suggested that the students use a monochromatic colour scheme for the portrait that compliments the intended expression. The portrait is done on a large scale in order to use size and proportion to increase the visual impact of the expression. The learning strategies of the previous activities will be utilized and extended in the creation of this studio project. The ‘Colossal ‘ portrait is part of the documentation of process for the whole unit and is evaluated in the final rubric for the unit (see Unit 1, Appendix C: Expressive Self-Portrait Rubric).

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Creation

Overall Expectations

CRV.01 - produce artworks using a variety of materials, tools, processes, and technologies safely and in ways that are appropriate to the content of their work.

Specific Expectations

CR2.01 - demonstrate skill in both representational and expressive drawing;

CR2.02 - demonstrate an in-depth understanding of one or more of the following: painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, artwork produced using new technologies;

CR1.02 - select elements and principles of design that best express their idea and feelings;

CR2.05 - use materials, equipment, and processes safely when producing artworks.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

·         Students need to have a working knowledge of the elements and principles of design and colour theory and the psychology of colour.

·         Basic painting skills

Planning Notes

·         Adequate supplies of liquid tempera or other nontoxic media, in a range of colours.

·         Twigs, spatulas, pieces of sponge, carpeting or textured fabric, q-tips etc. Keep skin sensitivities in mind when selecting these tools.

·         “Colossal” size (24" X 36") heavy cartridge or Mayfair-style paper in adequate quantity for class.

·         If self-portraits are to be done, a suitable quantity of mirrors will be needed (student photos could also be used.)

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   Students will select either to complete a portrait or self-portrait from a suitable source. To assist with proportion and placement, large sheets of paper should be divided in half, horizontally and vertically, lightly with a pencil. Students lightly draw the outline of the face on the paper. The facial outline should fill the entire page creating a “colossal” portrait.

2.   On a scrap piece of paper, students should try to develop a variety of paint techniques using their fingers, side of their hand, tip of their fingers etc., to be used in the creation of their portraits. If other non-traditional tools are used, samples should also be completed with the techniques used recorded on the sheet for reference. Teachers remind students to develop ways of creating contrasting values to be used for shading in the contours of the face.

3.   After completing their samples, students use their knowledge of the psychology of colour to select a hue suitable for a specific mood or expression. The colour should be reflective of the character intended in the portrait. The painting is completed using a monochromatic colour scheme to allow students to concentrate on facial textures and values. Use of a monochromatic colour scheme rather than a palette of colours, helps the student to maintain the impact of the chosen hue rather than diffusing the effect.

4.   Students begin their portrait with a quick underdrawing or underpainting. Students then apply colour to their portrait using the techniques they have practised. Students should use techniques to emphasize light and shadow, similar to a value drawing or a representational painting using brushes.

5.   The artworks can be displayed in the school or art room for students to view. Students will complete a self-assessment of their work and a peer assessment of another student’s Colossal Portrait. With a partner, they complete the peer assessment in their sketchbook. The following are questions that students could use for both the peer and self-assessment:

·         What expression is conveyed by this portrait?

·         Do the elements of colour, texture and value compliment the expression?

·         Describe two strengths in the artwork.

·         Describe one area for improvement.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

Self and Peer assessment rubric (Unit 1, Appendix C)

Accommodations

·         Students use a school photograph instead of a mirror, if painting a self-portrait.

·         The use of some non-traditional painting tools such as twigs or plant leaves, may require the use of protective gloves or attention to skin sensitivities for some students.

·         Give additional time for the painting.

·         Provide students with a stand to hold the mirror. Book stands are sometimes available from the Business department within a school.

Resources

Scholastic Art Magazine. Scholastic Art Publications, February 1995. (Issue on the work of Chuck Close and Self-Portraiture

Armstrong, Tim. Colour Perception: A Practical Approach to Colour Theory. Parkwest Pubns. 1993.
ISBN 09062174X

Brommer, Gerald F. Exploring Drawing. Davis Publications, 1987. ISBN 0871921928

Brommer, Gerald F. & Nancy Kline. Exploring Painting. Davis Publications, 1995.
ISBN 0871922878

Gibson, Ray. I Can Fingerpaint. E D C Publications, 1998. ISBN 0746029497

Greenberg, Jan & Sandra Jordan. Chuck Close Up Close. ISBN 0789426587

Larson, Karl V. See and Draw: From Observation. Davis Publications, 1992. ISBN 0871922428

Sheaks, Barclay. Drawing Figures and Faces. Watson-Guptill Publishing, 2000. ISBN 0823000621

Tate, Elizabeth. The North Light Illustrated Book of Painting Techniques. North Light Books, 1986.
ISBN 089134148X

Appendices

Unit 1, Appendix C – Expressive Self-Portrait Rubric

 

Activity 5:  “Here’s Looking at Me Kid!”

Time:  540 minutes

Description

In this activity students create an expressive self-portrait using their choice of the elements and principles of design to convey an intended message. Unlike the previous portraits, this artwork can be non-representational allowing students to choose from a wide variety of methods to portray their image. Students choose an appropriate media for the intended message. Evaluation for this artwork will be based on documentation of the process, selection of the elements and principles of design and media choice. Emphasis in the evaluation is on process not product, although technical skill will be included in the evaluation. Use of the sketchbook/journal to document process and research is required.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s):  Theory, Creation, Analysis

Overall Expectations

CRV.02 - produce a body of creative work that represents a progressive record of their studio development in both technique and expression.

Specific Expectations

TH1.01 - explain how the application of the elements and principles of design supports the concepts and ideas expressed in their creative work;

CR1.01 - use varied and extensive research in the preparation stage of studio work;

CR2.01 - demonstrate skill in both representational and expressive drawing;

CR3.02 - document their creative process by including in their portfolios evidence of the research and resources they used; as well as their rough sketches, plans, revisions, and final artworks;

AN1.05 - explain the significance of the symbolic and conceptual aspects of their work;

AN1.06 - explain the decisions and strategies used to communicate particular meanings in their artworks;

AN2.01 - explain how representational elements and the formal organization of visual content are used in both the creation and the evaluation of artworks.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students should have a clear understanding of the elements and principles of design.

Planning Notes

A wide variety of materials should be available to students. (Students should select a media for the self-portrait.)

Some suggestions for optional studio projects are:

·         A memory cube, where each of the six sides represents a facet of the student’s past, present and future which is depicted symbolically.

·         Intersecting profiles, where students complete two profile cutouts of their head and shoulders. These cutouts are assembled together to create a free-standing sculpture. One cutout is cut in the middle, halfway up from the bottom and the other is cut halfway down from the top. The cutouts are then interconnected using these slots like a paper doll stand is assembled. The resulting eight surfaces are used to represent the student’s inner self in the past, present and future. Images may be symbolic, representational, or abstract.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

1.   In preparation for the expressive self-portrait and as part of the documentation of the art process, students consider the message they want to convey about themselves in the expressive self-portrait. Students create a chart in their sketchbook/journal using the following three headings:

·         Ten words that describe me,

·         Three words that a partner verifies,

·         Three words that a family member or mentor verifies.

In the first column students record ten descriptive words that they think reflect them. These words should be descriptive of their emotional, physical, intellectual and social characteristics. With a partner, students discuss whether the chosen words accurately describe the student. In the second column, “Three words that a partner verifies”, three words that the partners agree describe the student are recorded. Each student finishes the chart for homework and has a family member or mentor verify three words that they think accurately describe the student. These words are recorded in the third column of the chart.

2.   Using the chart they have created in their sketchbook/journal, students choose two elements and one principle of design that will allow them to convey the three qualities that describe them. For example, an energetic person might choose a bright colour to reflect this characteristic. Students again verify, with their partner that the elements and principle of design that they have chosen, complements the message they are trying to express.

3.   Based on the descriptive words from the chart and the elements and principle of design they have chosen to express this message, students must decide what media and techniques they want to use for their self-portrait. Students choose a media that compliments the intended message of their self-portrait. The self-portrait can be representational, abstract or symbolic.

4.   In their sketchbook/journal, students create a plan for the self-portrait. A written description and visual sketch of the expressive self-portrait should be completed. The expressive portrait should convey an intended message by emphasizing two elements and one principle of design, and be completed in a media that compliments the expression. Students may wish to research an artist whose media or style is similar to their idea for this studio project. Magazine, newspaper and hand drawn images can be collected to compliment the plan. The artists that have been studied in the previous activities may also be useful in the preparation. Once students have made a final decision for the expressive self-portrait, they conference with their teachers to explain their plan. Students provide a materials list for the teacher in order to ensure that materials are available.

5.   Students create the expressive self-portrait. Students are encouraged to document technical problems they encounter and solutions they develop in their sketchbook/journal. For example, experimentation and solutions to difficulties with drawing techniques are documented in the sketchbook/journal. Remind students that the process and research for this studio project is evaluated.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement

See Unit 1, Appendix C for the Expressive Self-Portrait Rubric

Accommodations

·         Provide students with appropriate suggestions for the expressive self-portrait or an example.

·         Provide additional time as required.

·         Provide a written outline of the steps in the creation process.

·         As an enrichment activity, encourage a student to research and explore an unfamiliar media suitable to the desired process or the teacher presents the student with a studio project in which there is more problem solving required by giving them limitations in the options that they may use. For example, complete the self-portrait studio but use other elements to give the same effect as colour.

Resources

Barron’s Art Handbook. Portraits, Parramon, 1999. ISBN 0-76415108-8

Brommer, Gerald. Elements & Principles of Design videos. Crystal Publications, Inc.
ISBN 0 87192 299 1

Edwards, Betty. Drawing on the Right side of the Brain. Los Angeles: J. P. Tarcher, Inc., 1979.
ISBN 0 87477 088 2

Larson, Karl V. See and Draw: From Observation. Davis Publications, 1992. ISBN 0871922428

Sheaks, Barclay. Drawing Figures and Faces. Watson-Guptill Publishing, 2000. ISBN 0823000621

Appendices

See Unit 1, Appendix C – Expressive Self-Portrait Rubric


Unit 1, Appendix A

Art Viewing Worksheet

 

Artwork

What expression is conveyed in this artwork?

How has the artist used the elements and principles of art to achieve this expression?

Artist:

 

Title:

 

Date:

 

Media:

 

 

 

Artist:

 

Title:

 

Date:

 

Media:

 

 

 

Artist:

 

Title:

 

Date:

 

Media:

 

 

 

Artist:

 

Title:

 

Date:

 

Media:

 

 

 

 


Unit 1, Appendix B

Art Viewing Strategy

 

Description

1.   Create a visual inventory of what you see in this artwork (indoor scene, trees, intense colours…).

 

2.   List the major events in history that occurred at the same time this artwork was created.

 

3.   Describe the elements of art used in this artwork (line, shape, form, space, texture, colour, value, pattern).

 

4.   Provide a brief biography of the artist and information about the artistic style.

 

Analysis

1.   Describe how the principles of art were used in the artwork to organize the elements of art (balance, harmony, gradation, proportion, contrast, variety, movement, emphasis, unity, rhythm).

 

Interpretation

1.   Based on what you have learned about this artwork, what do you think the artist was trying to say?

 

2.   What feeling does the artwork evoke in you?

 

3.   Do you think there are symbols in this artwork which reinforce its meaning? Describe how these work.

 

4.   Do you think the artist effectively organized the elements of art through the use of the principles of art?

 

Judgement

1.   Do you like this artwork? Why? (Base your answers on what you have learned)

 

2.   Do you think this artwork is a significant artwork in the history of art? Why?

 


Unit 1, Appendix C

Expressive Self-Portrait Rubric

 

Criteria

Level 1

(50-59%)

Level 2

(60-69%)

Level 3

(70-79%)

Level 4

(80-100%)

Knowledge/
Understanding

 

 

 

 

Demonstrates an understanding of the elements and principles through clear and accurate visual display (Activity 1)

- demonstrates a limited understanding of the elements and principles

- demonstrates some understanding of the elements and principles

- demonstrates a considerable understanding of the elements and principles

- demonstrates a thorough and insightful understanding of the elements and principles

Illustrates knowledge of elements and principles through choices for studio, as indicated in sketchbook/journal or on art viewing strategy worksheet (Appendix B)

- demonstrates a limited understanding of the elements and principles

- demonstrates some understanding of the elements and principles

- demonstrates a considerable understanding of the elements and principles

- demonstrates a thorough and insightful understanding of the elements and principles

Thinking/
Inquiry

 

 

 

 

Problem solving – “Colossal” portrait-evidence of making connections between design tools and desired message

- demonstrates a limited connection between design tools and message

- demonstrates some connection between design tools and message

- demonstrates a considerable connection between design tools and message

- demonstrates a thorough and insightful connection between design tools and message

Planning – clear and thoughtful plan, plan connected to final product, rough sketches and revisions

- demonstrates limited evidence of planning

- demonstrates some evidence of planning

- demonstrates considerable evidence of planning

- demonstrates thorough and insightful evidence of planning

Research – evidence of varied and extensive research, resources listed

- demonstrates limited evidence of varied and extensive research

- demonstrates some evidence of varied and extensive research

- demonstrates considerable evidence of varied and extensive research

- demonstrates thorough and insightful evidence of varied and extensive research

Self Assessment – evidence of decisions/strategies to communicate a particular personal message

- demonstrates limited connections between decisions and message

- demonstrates some connections between decisions and message

- demonstrates considerable connections between decisions and message

- demonstrates thorough and insightful connections between decisions and message

Communication

 

 

 

 

Choice of media accurately and effectively communicates the intended message

- demonstrates limited accuracy and effectiveness

- demonstrates moderate accuracy and effectiveness

- demonstrates considerable accuracy and effectiveness

- demonstrates high degree of accuracy and effectiveness

Choice of two elements and one principle accurately and effectively communicates the intended message

- demonstrates limited accuracy and effectiveness

- demonstrates moderate accuracy and effectiveness

- demonstrates considerable accuracy and effectiveness

- demonstrates high degree of accuracy and effectiveness

Creation/
Application

 

 

 

 

Skill evident in media control

- limited skill shown

- moderate skill shown

- considerable skill shown

- high degree of skill shown

Construction methods show care and consideration (may not apply to all media)

- demonstrates limited care and concern, major construction flaws

- demonstrates moderate care and concern, minor construction flaws

- demonstrates considerable care and concern, no construction flaws

- demonstrates high degree of care and concern, no construction flaws and shows innovation

Note: A student whose achievement is below level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.

 

 

 

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