4 sessions; 80 minutes per session

1. SWBAT create a face and body out of paper
2. SWBAT give the portrait personality
3. SWBAT express an interest through their art

1. Black 9x12 paper
2. White 9x12 paper + scraps
3. Black strips of 3x12 paper (4 per student)
4. Glue stick
5. Scissors

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

1. Talk about self portraits and their place in the art world. Show famous examples.
2. While students are freaking out, reassure them that this will be an "easy" way to do a self-portrait
3. Students brainstorm a list of interests, facets of their personality, hobbies and talents.
4. Students choose one and do a sketch of themselves from the waist up, expressing something from the brainstormed list. They must be holding something in at least one hand.
5. Sketch is approved by teacher before continuing.
6. Black and white paper is passed out.
7. Students cut shapes out of the black paper and glue it to the white paper, paying attention to contrast and details as they create their piece. (White details can also be glue on top of the black pieces, if needed.)
8. When finished, they create a border from the black strips of paper and decorate it with items, symbols or designs in white paper.

Students will fill out a self evaluation, assessing themselves and justifying the grade they feel they deserve.

This is a fun project that gives students a chance to be self-expressive and focus on the what can be created out of simple sheets of black and white paper.