a representation of a person, usually focussing on their face, expression and identity

to show or stand for something, often in a visual or symbolic way

the application of media in free sweeping gestures

What is a portrait?

Art and design

Exploring portraits through paint

Exploring portraits through 3D

Using portraiture to reveal and conceal identities

Exploring power in the portrait

Words in portraits

This unit explores portraiture’s power in expressing identity, culture, and belief. Pupils will study artists who challenge stereotypes and explore power, representation, and concealment. They will develop critical thinking while reinforcing respect, tolerance, and self-expression.

Identity: exploring portraiture

the focus, topic, or image of an artwork, e.g. in a portrait, the subject is the person who has been painted

the feeling or emotion a piece of art gives you (like happy, calm, or sad)

the size of one part of something compared to another part, especially how facial features, body parts or objects fit together

to show or represent something in a picture, drawing, or description.

a work of art that can be seen in the round, is three dimensional or as a relief.

the outline or shape of something, especially the curves of a surface.

the process of shaping and forming clay, often by hand.

to show or uncover something that might not be obvious

the empty area around or within a subject in an artwork

a dark shape or outline usually filled with black

groups which have been included in artworks and/or have made artworks

a person’s level of importance, rank, or social standing

the way someone stands or sits, especially in to show a certain feeling, attitude, or idea

how the subject’s eyes are directed—whether they are looking directly at the viewer, or in a different direction

is the purposeful arrangement of type to enhance readability, communication and visual impact

the message or idea that is communicated by something, whether it's words, images, or actions

art that is based on an idea or message, not just how it looks

Help using Oak

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Primary

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Secondary

Who we are

Leadership

Board

Partners

Identity: exploring portraiture

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