ART III - REFLECTIVE SELF-PORTRAIT (HW)
LESSON FOCUS:
This lesson focuses on creating a self-portrait in a reflective object from direct observation, using
pencil.
VOCABULARY:
Highlights: Areas on a surface that reflect the most light. In a drawing, these areas are shown by
light values to create the illusion of depth.
Pencil: Drawing and writing tool that consists of a slender, cylindrical casing around a marking
substance.
Portrait: The image of a person’s face. It can be made of any sculptural material or any twodimensional medium.
Self-portrait: A portrait of the artist created by the artist.
Shading: The use of light and shadow to give a feeling of depth.
Still life: a group of inanimate object arranged to be painted or drawn; also, a painting or
drawing of such an arrangement.
Value: Element of art that refers to light and dark areas. Value depends on how much a light a
surface reflects. Value is also one of the three properties of color.
PROCEDURE:
 Set up a still life that includes one or more reflective objects.
 Position yourself so that you see your reflection in the object or objects. Your image may or
may not be distorted it depends on the object(s) you chose.
 Do several sketches until you have a well-balanced composition.
 You must consider your background!!!!! Do not draw a tiny object in the center of the page
and leave the rest of your paper blank. Either enlarge the object so it fills the space, or add other
objects or a drapery to help fill your composition.
 Once you have a good idea, enlarge onto 11”x 14” Bristol board.
 Finish in pencil - you must have a full range of value and a high degree of contrast.
MATERIALS:
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Sketchbook
Objects for your still life
11”x 14” Bristol board
Assorted drawing pencils and erasers
RELATED ARTIST: M.C. Escher