Geometric Identity Portraits

Part 1
So here is a mini portrait unit that can tie into identity and getting to know the individuals in your class. 

The portraits are completed using pencil only. We looked at the composition of a portrait and talked about the shapes we can see within our faces. 

All children discussed what face shape they have (heart, round, square, oval etc) and while I had plenty of mirrors, my little 'hack' was to also provide each child with an old, reflective cd to look into to view thier face. A great money saver and easy to lay your hands on. 

We drew our face shapes first and neck and shoulders. 

Then we divided the face in half length ways and then into thirds horizontally. 

We thought about eyes in terms of their shape - like lemons, or leaves or almonds. 
Then we drew then onto the top third line. 

We then added the nose and mouth. 

And finally the hair. 

For further depth in the portrait, the darkest parts could be done wih a black clour pencil or charcoal. 

Part 2
On the clothing of the body, divide the t shirt or top into squares. In each square students are asked to include symbols or images that represent them. 

Part 3  
In the back ground use a ruler to divide into geometric segments. 

Use a round object to draw around to add a different shape to the mix. 

Selecting cool colours or warm colours, use oil pastels to colour each segment a different colour. 
(alternatively this could be done with pastels and dye or bleeding tissue paper - see example which includes half in oil pastel and half with bleeding tissue paper - available from Creative Classrooms). 

If you are interested in buying the editable New Zealand curriculum based lesson plan to go with the mini unit, please visit teachers pay teachers to purchase your copy. This includes full step by step images and diagrams to support the teaching of self portraits. 

​https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geometric-Identity-Portrait-4362311