Printed Portraits!

I love a good self portrait lesson.  I love when children need to really think about who they are and how they feel.  When they have to look closely at how they see themselves on the inside, and then how they want others to view them on the outside.  I come from an expressive arts background.  My philosophy of Art Education has always been revolved around helping children develop a deep awareness of self.  Allowing them to reach their full potential through self expression and community.  Creating a safe space where each child uses a variety of art materials to explore, create and understand.  
To make sense of their world.  

 
Today I would like to share some portraits that my students just finished.  



They worked so hard from the planning stages until our final critique.  There was SO much learning during this unit and so much fun!  Aside from the clear awareness of self, they learned how to use the carving tools safely, printing effectively and combining colors in the most interesting ways. 

We looked at a number of adult printed portraits and discussed how their facial expression, body gesture, background and use of space expressed who they are and how they want others to see them.
Then each child thought about how to best express themselves..the results were outstanding!

They even got into some serious experimentation!

 

When it was all over we had a final critique where they got to share their work and compliment others. We looked at each piece individually and then as a series of work. Amazing!