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!

Ink Blowing!

Every other Friday, the high school art classes are treated with "Fun Friday." Fun Friday introduces art students to new and interesting mediums that they might not be exposed to otherwise. For this Fun Friday, we experimented with ink blowing and watercolors. The students' art turned out to be very complex, colorful, and Kandinsky-esque. I've put and example of a Kandinsky painting at the end of this post (he was a famous Russian abstract painter).

And here's a work by Kandinsky (see some similarities?):

Art From Home

Below is a selection of art students made at home (and brought in to show me) during this semester. Enjoy!

6th grade robots made from electronics parts.

7th grade wire flute.

8th grade ice sculptures.

7th grade silhouettes (cut paper and watercolor).

7th grade silhouettes close-up (cut paper and watercolor).



Ancient Map Project

This project was completely inspired by the students (sixth grade). We finished a project early one day, allowing for some free drawing time. Students took this opportunity to invent a new group drawing game, the outcome of which resembled an old map. With this in mind, we created our Ancient Map Project. Students worked in groups, developed a theme, and co-created these beautiful works of art.

Some students chose to rip the edges of their maps to create an even more old-timey effect. We all dyed our maps with coffee and tea, and then added watercolor to differentiate the land, for example, from the water. Most importantly, students learned that by closely observing something they wish to draw -- for example, a picture of a sea monster -- they can (with patience) draw a beautiful sea monster. Amazing!

Imagination Nation

 

Island of Doom

Land of Goonevil (ahem... "Good" and "Evil".. get it?)