8th Grade Art: Facial Proportions

LESSON OVERVIEW:  Students will create two self-portrait drawings:  One utilizing the proper facial proportions and one exaggerating their unique facial features into a cartoon.  They will make historical connections between self-portraits of Renaissance artists to modern day artists.

Focused Skills:  
1)  Learning how to draw your own face using the proper facial proportions (Comparing Pre-Test to finished Project)
2)  Learning how to handle and mix chalk pastels to match your own skin and hair tones
3)  Learning how to draw a stylized Self-Portrait

History Highlights:
1)  Self Portraits in the Renaissance
2)  Proportions in the Renaissance
3)  Modern Self-Portrait Artists
4)  History of Cartoons


1]  History of Self Portraits!

Albrect Dürer's Work:

-Began doing self portraits to show commissioners his level of skill
-Enjoyed the attention and started doing self portraits for fun
-Got so full of himself that he did a self portrait facing the viewer, a position usually saved for imagery of Jesus Christ, making a statement that he was the 'God' of Art at this time.

2]  Proportions in the Renaissance:

• The Golden Ratio!
• Everyone has facial proportions

2A]  PRE-TEST:

Draw the best self portrait you can possibly do!
-Add all of your facial features, hair, ears (if you can see them), neck, and shoulders.
-Add a little shading
-You should be quiet while drawing and be focused!  You can't draw your mouth while it is flapping!!!

Here are some Pre-Test examples by other 8th grade artists:

2B]  Facial Proportions Worksheet