Who Am I?
AVAILABLE AS OUTREACH: Students view and discuss a selection of portraits from the collection. They learn why different people had their portrait made and compare different artists' approaches. The students then each make a self-portrait. This lesson can be done as a drawing exercise or using clay.
William Alexander Sutton Self-Portrait 1938. Etching. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, gifted by Florence Akins 1997
Students learn about the history of portrait painting, learn why people wanted them made and what motivates artists to paint one. Your class will be shown a selection of portraits from the collection and, as a group, examine the portraits and discuss what the artist is trying to communicate about the person in the picture. Students will then make their own self portrait. While doing this they will learn about the proportions of the face. Students can create their portrait using pencil and paper or clay. In total the lesson will take 90 minutes.
Curriculum Links: Visual Arts
Visual Arts Strands:
Practical Knowledge
Developing Ideas
Communicating Ideas
Understanding Art in Context
Key Competencies:
Thinking
Using Language, Symbols and Text
Managing Self