8th Grade Watercolor Self Portraits

8th grade students start their portraiture unit by identifying all the ways in which you can possibly draw a portrait out of proportion. They discovered that at this phase in their artistic development, there are many common ‘mistakes’ being made. Eyes are like footballs with floating circles inside, heads are too round, ears are over-simplified or missing, mouths are cartoon-like, necks too narrow, shoulders too hunched and narrow and everything looks flat, not three-dimensional.

I guide them step by step through discovering the correct proportions of their head, facial features, neck and shoulders as we slowly craft a first drawing that records our findings. With some technique and practice under their belts, they begin their sketch from observation.

While technique and practice is important for building skill in art, play (yes PLAY!) is just as vital. Before painting their portraits, students have the opportunity to freely experiment with watercolor, just to see what happens! After completing some value scale and form studies, students are ready to dive into painting their portraits. Each portrait is as unique as each student’s personality. We hope you enjoy them!