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

Exploring portraits through paint

Art and design

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

Where are painted portraits thought to have originated, over 5,000 years ago?

Complex forms are changed into basic, simple shapes.

Features are resized or moved to show mood or style.

Some features are made bigger to show emotion or meaning.

Match each artistic approach to its description.

What can paint help an artist express in a portrait?

It makes drawing faster and easier for beginners.

It helps artists remember where to put facial features.

It can oversimplify the face with formulaic results.

Western portraiture often uses facial guidelines to place features in proportion on the face. Which of the following best describes a limitation of this approach?

Which of these might help you express yourself in your artwork?

Contrast in light and {{}} is important when applying paint to a portrait, as it creates a feeling of 3D form.

Which of the following best describes the word 'mood' in an artwork?

The relationship between parts of the face.

Match each keyword to its correct meaning.

Using only bright colours to create a cheerful feeling

Drawing fantasy creatures and magical worlds

Creating abstract shapes to express emotions

Showing people and places as they realistically look in everyday life

Which of these is a reason an artist might distort a portrait?

When responding to an artist’s work, it’s helpful to share your {{}}.

depicts another person or figure in a stylised way.

focuses on natural landscapes and scenes.

represents their own likeness, created by themselves.

A self-portrait is a work of art in which the artist ...

Starter Quiz