Flash Bugs Studio

  • Home
  • About
  • Make
  • Refresh Online Design Class

Self-Portraits- A Large Scale Project

in Art, Drawing, Painting on 08/26/15

This post contains affiliate links.

Have you ever thought about how kids see themselves?  Better yet, have you ever thought about how they represent themselves in their artwork?

I have often found that a self-portrait exercise is a unique way to gain insight into a child’s psyche. While most kids love to draw pictures of themselves either in whimsical or realistic ways, it’s not often they have the opportunity to challenge themselves to draw and paint on a large scale.

Make large self-portraits with kids.

Last week, I hosted my first Pop Up Self Portrait Workshop for kids ages 5 and up. My goal was to show children how they could identify their facial features, draw them, and then transfer their small drawings to a large sheet of 18″x24″ watercolor paper.

Materials

Canson’s Mix Media Acid Free Paper, 18″x 24″

Mirror

Pencil

Black Sharpie

Watercolor Paint

Brushes

Procedure

I started this project by looking at ourselves in the mirror and talking about all of our facial features.  I pointed out where our eyes, nose, ears, mouth, eyebrows, are in relation to each other.  

Next, we analyzed how their facial features could be similar or different from others. With this in mind, we practiced making a sketch of ourselves on a piece of copy paper.

As the younger students quickly drew their facial features, older students struggled a bit to create “realistic” features.  I gently explained to the older children that all of their facial features could be broken down into basic shapes. For example their eyes could be round, oval, almond shaped, etc. I was able to talk through their frustrations and let them come up with their own solutions.

For example, their eyes could be round, oval, almond shaped, etc. I was able to talk through their frustrations and let them come up with their own solutions.

Next, each child was given a large piece of mix media paper where they had to replicate their small sketch on a larger scale.  They then outlined their drawings with black permanent marker and filled in with watercolor paint.

The kids were able to mix colors, and paint their drawings with any sort of marks they felt inspired them.  The younger kids definitely took liberty to position themselves in a world of whimsical flowers and bold colors. Meanwhile, the older children’s paintings felt more restrained, subdued, and serious.  It’s amazing to see how everyone’s personalities shone through each of their portraits.

  • Create large scale self-portraits
  • Create large scale self-portraits
  • Create large scale self-portraits
  • Create large scale self-portraits
  • Create large scale self-portraits
  • Create large scale self-portraits
Create large scale self-portraits

If you’ve never had your little ones draw or paint on a large scale, try this project. I promise, you’ll want to hang and frame these mega masterpieces!

 

 


Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Related

Join Us!

« My Favorite Top 10 Hip School Supplies
Patchwork Felt Purses »
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

About Me


Hi! I’m Marina and I’m here to help you cultivate and nurture creativity in your home. I’m also passionate about using art as a tool to teach children how to explore, process and create meaning in their own lives. This blog is a culmination of art projects and my own creative inspirations.

Categories

Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No connected account.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.

Freshly Blogged

design therapy with creative mom Amanda Thomsen
Ever wonder why you can't get your interior design style just right? Take this interior design quiz to learn your unique design personality.

  • Refresh Design Class Before and Afters, Home Design Transformations
  • How To Make A Simple Up-Cycle Advent Calendar
  • design therapy with creative mom Amanda ThomsenDesign Therapy With Creative Mom Amanda Thomsen
  • Ever wonder why you can't get your interior design style just right? Take this interior design quiz to learn your unique design personality.How To Figure Out Your Unique Interior Design Personality?
  • 5 Amazing Ways To Take Creative Risks

Join Us on Instagram

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No connected account.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account.

Copyright © 2023 · glam theme by Restored 316