Self Portrait Project

In art class this quarter, students are exploring self portraits in art and in writing through an integrated unit designed by the National Gallery of Art. Through on-line study of artists and their self-portrait work, and through studio work and homework assignments, our students are expanding their ability to communicate about and through this major genre.

These "Van Gogh style" self portrais were created after students studied the art of Vincent Van Gogh. To make the portraits, the students first painted a background using primarily two complimentary colors, painted in thick, pure strokes. Then, students painted directly on top of a digital photo of themselves, then cut out their portrait and pasted it onto the background.

You can visit the Who Am I? unit at the National Gallery of Art on line. Check out the student activites and learn what your child is learning!

After learning about the artist Judith Leyster at the National Art Gallery online Who Am I? unit, students worked on "I am . . . " poems, such as the one at right.

I Am

I am a loving and athletic girI,

I wonder why I’m a human and not a dog.

I hear a cry for help,

I see a star that will take me.

I want to know the truth about everything,

I am a loving and athletic girl.

I pretend to be a singer,

I feel like the world is in my hands,

I touch a tear that I will cry.

I worry about my future,

I cry about my past,

I am a loving and athletic girl.

I understand I can’t go back.

I say I don’t have it the worst.

I dream about a family of my own,

I try to be the girl everyone wants.

I hope I don’t have to hide from my friends,

I am a loving and athletic girl.

-JMW