Who I Am Silhouette

While students are working on a project, I trace their silhouettes using an old fashioned overhead. Most of the kids have NO IDEA what this "thing" is when I drag it out from the supply closet. They're delighted to find out we are only using it as a light source . . .

"I heard those things were used to write notes . . . "

"Is that the thing that makes that loud noise . . . "

Once students are traced we brainstorm 25 things that make them unique, and then discuss how to represent those ideas symbolically. After a discussion on using space creatively, students begin filling their silhouette with sketches, song lyrics, and poetry. I'm always looking for opportunities for my students to write in art class! The results are as dynamic as each student!

Personality Masks

What is a mask? Can it be used for celebration or to hide behind? Eighth grade students created a sculptural piece which addressed this question. Students were instructed to create a sculptural piece which they believed embodied who they truly are (a contradiction to the traditional mask concept) . . . or which concealed something about their true identities. Students had to mount their masks on an object or create a background which further enhanced their concept.

Monochromatic Portraits

8th graders are obsessed with themselves, and the art room is the best place to embrace that! Students worked with someone they felt comfortable with to take a digital photo of themselves. The only rule I gave them was that their face had to take up 75% of the frame.

Students converted the photos to grayscale and "posterized them" to see significant changes in value using Adobe Photoshop Elements. Photos were printed off to 8x10." From there the kids used a grid drawing method to enlarge their portraits to 16x20." Once they were drawn, students selected a monochromatic color scheme and began painting! (Paying particular attention to changes in value.)