What is a portrait?
I can explain how artists use a range of creative tools to represent themselves and other people.
What is a portrait?
I can explain how artists use a range of creative tools to represent themselves and other people.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A portrait is a representation of a person, usually focusing on their face, expression, and identity.
- Portraits are found across art, craft, and design celebrating individuality.
- Artists often use a multidisciplinary approach when creating portraits.
Keywords
Portrait - a representation of a person, usually focussing on their face, expression and identity
Represent - to show or stand for something, often in a visual or symbolic way
Gestural - the application of media in free sweeping gestures
Common misconception
Portraits must always show the person directly.
A portrait can also include symbolic representations, like objects that reflect the person’s personality or even something as unique as a sample of their DNA.
Equipment
Portrait image. For wax transfer print: card or plastic sheet, oil pastels, pencil. For wax resist method: watercolours, brushes, water.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does a portrait typically aim to represent?
Q2.Match the term to its meaning.
the qualities or traits that make a person unique
showing feelings or emotions through art
representing something beyond its literal meaning
the emotional atmosphere created by the artwork
the social position or standing of a person
Q3.Portraits are often used to explore , showing a person’s personality or how they want to be perceived.
Q4.Why might an artist use a portrait to express identity?
Q5.Why were early portraits, like cave paintings and sculptures, created?
Q6.What is the main difference between figurative and abstract art in portraiture?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the main purposes of a portrait?
Q2.Which statement best shows how a portrait can represent someone without showing their face?
Q3.What is meant by a multidisciplinary approach in portraiture?
Q4.Match each keyword to its correct meaning.
to show or stand for something symbolically
made with expressive, sweeping marks
art that clearly shows a recognisable subject
art that uses shapes/colours, not realistic