A few years ago, someone asked me how I would teach someone to do what I do: draw portraits. At the time, I didn't have a good answer. How could I distill a skill that I had spent hundreds of hours developing and present it in an easy to follow lesson?
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Don't forget to include silly meme videos to catch students' engagement!
After a year of teaching and learning about the art of teaching, I finally have an answer. The following lesson represents the technical component of a larger portraiture unit. I created this lesson to support one of my cooperating teachers, whom I connected with through my master's program at GMU.
KEY CONCEPTS
Understanding the importance of proportion, value, light, and shadow in representing the human form.
Demonstrate exploration and experimentation with new techniques.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
How much visual information is actually needed to convey and idea on paper?
How do we create meaning through a single solitary respresentation of a person.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Develop a deeper awareness of composition through experimentation with Notan drawing.
Recognize that essential artistic knowledge and techniques have been circulated for over a hundred years, and use these resources to create new and personal artworks.
ART STANDARDS
AIII.I The student will develop essential questions to guide a sustained investigation which includes synthesis of ideas, materials, and processes over time.
AII.14 The student will expand on observational skills to create expressive and meaningful artworks.
AII.15 The student will demonstrate proficiency, skill, and control in the use of media and techniques.
These first slides are an opportunity to open a discussion with the students and pre-assess their existing knowledge.
Begin by introducing the Loomis method, a tried and true approach to portraiture. Utilizing classroom technology, doc cameras, YouTube Shorts, and free online PDF resources, demystify what may initially seem like a complicated process.
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
STUDENT
Basic Drawing tools, charcoal, graphite, eraser, chamois
Computer to find and organize reference images
Sketchbook
Basic Drawing tools, pencils, markers
Camera
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
TEACHER
Doc Camera
Photography or Cone Light
Large Easel and Paper Pad
Sketchbook
Basic Drawing tools, charcoal, graphite, eraser, chamois
Compter with internet access
After introducing the Loomis Method, next it's time to discuss one of the most critical concepts in representation art; Notan. In painting, it might also be reffered to as grisaille. Charles Bargue's Bargue line is closely linked to the concept as well.
ART SPECIFIC CONCEPTS & VOCABULARY
ART SPECIFIC CONCEPTS & VOCABULARY
Andrew Loomis and the Loomis Method: Loomis was an influential American illustrator and art educator, best known for his books on figure drawing and portraiture, which have become essential resources for aspiring artists. His contribution to art education has been long lasting and influential throughout the past seventy years.
Notan: The design concept involving the play and placement of light and dark elements as they are placed next to the other in the composition of art and imagery.
Value: the lightness or darkness of a color, and it adds dimension in a piece.
PRE-ASSESSMENT
Opening discussion to gauge students' current approach and preconceptions of portraiture.
Thumbs up or down, how many of you are now confident that you can X,Y,Z…..
FORMATIVE
Day 2: Ask student to draw a Loomis Method portrait from memory.
Peer Critique of construction paper collaged notan.
SUMMATIVE
Body of work, portfolio
Artist statement
REFLECTION
Critical Reflection: Ask the students to evaluating their work objectively, analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and the effectiveness of the design or artistic choices.
This is my initial teacher exemplar. I took a mixed media approach using a scrap of paper I had monoprinted with tempera paint. The figure is drawn in charcoal and white pastel. I added a piece of construction paper to reinforce the side of the paper that was torn.
Oftentimes, when I create these lessons, they push me to approach my art in new ways.
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