Drawing (UPSIDE DOWN) Portraits

This year, I tried a brand new project. I knew it would be a challenge, and I wasn't sure how it would turn out; but, as usual, these kids blew me away with their effort, hard work, and ability. This project required students to draw a portrait... upside down.

The technique of drawing upside down helps students to focus on simple shapes and lines instead of being distracted by the complexity of, for example, "drawing a nose." In essence, this project "tricks" students into learning how to draw well.

Students began by choosing a drawing to draw upside down. Most of the drawings to choose from were line drawings by Picasso, although some students did choose their own drawings found online.

They then (begrudgingly) began to draw the drawing of their choice upside down. "Whaaaaaaattttt??!" and "You're kidding me.." were some of the exasperated comments made before students even began. However, as soon as they got into the swing of it, attitudes changed, and I actually wrote down what some students excitedly declared, such as:

"Now I know how to draw!"
"I know how to draw eyes now!"
"The hair came out amazing!"
"It gives me the feels!"

After they completed their upside down portrait line drawing, they could create any background they wanted, although they had to feature complementary colors in their composition. 8th grade used watercolor, while 7th grade used chalk pastel. Below, I'll take you through the process and show you some of the students' amazing results!

This student worked tirelessly on her composition. Like a real artist, she drew and re-drew. Her final product was incredibly beautiful and professional. 

Adding color to the portrait. FYI she's a lefty and managed to not smudge her chalk pastel. Let me repeat: She did not smudge CHALK PASTEL. EVERYONE smudges chalk pastel. Except this one! Way to go, girl!

Almost done!

Completed line drawing. 

Completed with color!!

Chalk pastel portraits and background patterns coming out beautifully! Look how focused they are!

The artist declared this "the best drawing I've ever made!!" Check out the cool rubbing alcohol drops in the watercolor background!

She worked incredibly hard on this portrait! The outcome was unique and beautiful! And such soft and peaceful color choices :)

Nice color choices and beautiful craftsmanship!

Amazing watercolor portrait of the Queen. Plus, the Queen's shoulders match up with the artist's! And check out those complementary colors! WHOA.

This dude has constellations as a background!

SO COOL!!!!

 

SO COOL AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

So much going on in this portrait. So much emotion and strength!

Final projects on display (the one on the left is the completed portrait from the first picture!)! The rest are either in the cafeteria or library! Check them out!