PORTRAITS
MALCOLM PRICE LABORATORY SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
NORTHERN UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL NORTHERN UNIVERSITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
PORTRAITS
The portrait is a real confidence-builder as it seems young people are most impressed with "skill" when one can draw people. I begin by having students look at the specific facial features one at a time and they make a "collection" of features from their classmates. Then they create a template/layout of where the features "belong" on the head. From their collection students create a new human being by "plugging-in" the feature on the template - thereby removing the pressure of "likeness".
While they are working on this drawing, I take their photos in black and white with chiaroscuro light. Next they "map out" the photo and technically measure from the template they create on the photo. Then they transfer the template to blank paper, practice individual features, and "flesh them out" in charcoal.
The collection of drawings above are done from a photo, but transcend the usual dry, stilted, look of student drawings form photographs with their drawerly use of charcoal and kneadable eraser.
Finally, students draw portraits from the live model, a much more difficult undertaking, but the confidence and skill they gain from the previous drawing really helps. Below are some "from life":
