Self-portraits are intimidating...I know. But, creating a self-portrait in the dark manner of the Baroque, learning from Caravaggio and Rembrandt is exciting, especially when creating the self-portraits from a photograph shot in 3/4 high side lighting with the same dramatic effect popular of the era.
At our school, we have a wonderful mix of ethnicities, which makes for a unique art studio dynamic.
Most of my students enter high school with very little experience in the arts and the misconception that drawing and painting cannot be learned. After proving to them that all they needed was to build on their observational skills and to draw "what they see and not what they know," they end up becoming hooked on art and the creative process.
My Project
My students need water-miscible oil paints and brushes in order to experience "tenebroso" lighting style of the Baroque era. The project is a self-portrait in oil in the lighting style made famous by Caravaggio during the Baroque Period. The project will begin with an introduction to the Baroque and dramatic lighting used by artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt.(Standard 3.1 a/c)
We will spend a few days practicing how to separate the head into light and dark shapes.(standard 2.1 a) Next, I will take photographs of each of my students using a single photo flood in 3/4 high side-lighting position with the students sitting in a frontal pose (black background). This will create limited bright areas on the forehead, nose, upper lip, check and chin. I will do 3 demo's on the proper use of oil paints, mixing correct skin tones and achieving maximum brights with cool dark shadows. Students will follow a 6-stage painting process with the entire project from start to finish will
I feel it is extremely important that beginning art students not just do art for art's sake, but that they connect to something historically or culturally in order to advance their knowledge.
Learning from the Master's is one of the best teaching tools I have. I want to provide my students with projects that challenge them but also with the hope that they will continue to explore and enjoy the art world after they leave my class. Attn: Disneyland
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