Exploring portraits through paint
I can use a limited colour palette to paint a portrait.
- Year 9
Exploring portraits through paint
I can use a limited colour palette to paint a portrait.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The painted portrait is understood to have originated in Ancient Egypt, over 5,000 years ago
- Paint allows artists to explore texture, colour, and form, capturing emotion and personality
- The versatility of paint enables both realistic and abstract interpretations of a subject
Keywords
Subject - the focus, topic, or image of an artwork, e.g. in a portrait, the subject is the person who has been painted
Mood - the feeling or emotion a piece of art gives you (like happy, calm, or sad)
Proportion - the size of one part of something compared to another part, especially how facial features, body parts or objects fit together
Common misconception
The painted portrait only focuses on realism and accuracy in depicting the subject.
While many portraits aim for realism, painting also allows for abstract and emotional interpretations, capturing the subject's personality, mood, and deeper meaning beyond just physical appearance.
Equipment
Images of portraits, drawing materials and paper (preferably thick enough for wet media), paint, selection of brushes (round and flat head if possible), water and palette. Editing app optional.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes the word 'mood' in an artwork?
Q2.Match each keyword to its correct meaning.
Q3.What does 'realism' mean in art?
Q4.Which of these is a reason an artist might distort a portrait?
Q5.When responding to an artist’s work, it’s helpful to share your .
Q6.A self-portrait is a work of art in which the artist ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Where are painted portraits thought to have originated, over 5,000 years ago?
Q2.Match each artistic approach to its description.
