Grade 11 IB Visual Arts Class: Self Portraits

Our Grade 11 IB Visual Arts class completed their self-portrait drawings earlier this year, and they are now working on an oil painting project. I am always amazed with my students and their self-portrait accomplishments. It is usually their first time drawing a major self-portrait, and I am sure it probably feels a little overwhelming at times.

I instruct them on the proportions of the face and how to draw each facial feature individually. They choose the position (straight on, three quarter view or profile), whether they want it in colour or black and white, and they also choose the medium (chalk pastels, pencil, oil pastels, etc). The students photograph their artwork and comment in their journal after each class to document their progress. The journal is worth 40% of their mark in the IB course. When the drawings are completed and framed, there is a sense of pride in both me and the artist. Excellent work students!

I hope you enjoy the artwork.