What did you learn from copying the work of your Old Master? Among other things, you should now have a better understanding and appreciation of the properties of drawing (right). The next step is to create a self-portrait using these properties of drawing, along with the deliberate mimicry of your old master's mark. |
- The SUBJECT in this case will be YOU - you need to take a photograph that is illustrative of your personality.
- Your photograph should have a STRONG COMPOSITION because:
- Composition can make or break a work of art.
- Composition can communicate content. For example, are YOU static or dynamic? Your composition should follow suit.
- The CONTENT of your work is your personality and what you are trying to communicate about yourself through both the composition and choice of pose, props, lighting, etc. You are still mimicking the old master's mark but everything else should be YOURS.
When taking/editing your photographs, consider the importance of lighting... LOOK FOR THE VALUES THAT YOU WILL BE DRAWING - THINK ABOUT HOW THE VALUES WILL BE TRANSLATED THROUGH MARK-MAKING.....Take many photographs so you can choose the best one; include your favorite options on your PLANNING page.
To help illustrate what was explained above, study previous examples of student work. Critique their use of the three properties of art PLUS their ability to mimic their Old Master's mark. Some examples are below and you are encouraged to explore more by looking at the Art 3 Gallery and searching through student website galleries HERE.
- Choose the self-portrait photograph that you will use. Print it out.
- Select your paper (same as before). Size it to match the proportion of your photograph, deckle the edges as needed.
- Grid/sketch or use a "cartoon" process for transferring your image. Remember to go easy with the eraser to avoid damaging the paper.
- Tone paper (optional/as needed) - if you used a cartoon, you can tone first.
- Start drawing with the selected medium and with the Old Master's mark!
KEEP your photograph and your Old Master's image side by side for the duration of this project. IT IS CRITICAL THAT THE SAME MARK IS EMULATED IN YOUR SELF-PORTRAIT. Don't lose sight of that goal. Don't worry, you WILL be developing your own mark eventually! This continued study of your Old Master's mark is a way to further refine your skills through deliberate observation and practice.
DON'T FORGET!!! Take pictures of your daily progress & publish weekly PROCESS posts on your blog!!!