Teaching Sample

Below is a sample from the Surreal Self-Portrait project. This project was performed with the 8th grade during February to March.

surreal

self

portrait

"Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist."

René Magritte

For their trip into the strange world of Surrealism, the 8th grade drew self-portrait headshots inspired by Frida Kahlo. Taking ideas from Surrealism, they then drew three objects - something from a dream, something that represents the student and something completely random - to create a strange but unique composition. Finally they used the wet-on-wet technique to create a dreamy looking background and finished the whole portrait with watercolor.

Download the Lesson Plan

Surreal Self Portrait

ASSESSMENT ANALYSES

Destiny's Self-Portrait

For Destiny’s self-portrait, she features herself in a room with the three required objects. The wall of social media apps represents herself, the money posters are from a dream and the rainbow is the random object. Destiny excelled in the craftsmanship and creativity sections, showing high attention to detail in her artwork. Like many students her age, she sometimes was wary of the execution of her project, fearing for mistakes. I pushed her to take those risks and go where she thinks her art should be. By taking those risks, she created one of the most unique and sufficient paintings.

Jordy's Self-Portrait

For Jordy’s self-portrait, he featured a football to represent himself, a butterfly from a dream and running water for a random object. The drawing and watercolor portions are complete but a little messy. Jordy’s lack of confidence in his art causes him to overthink and not take many risks. To mend these fears, I directly instruct and demonstrate to Jordy a starting point and let him take control after watching me (exemplified in the face). Watching me take a risk eases his mind to then try it himself.

TEACHING METHODS

Below are general methods I use for teaching content, all based on my philosophies of art education. These age-old methods are not unique to the art curriculum, but I try to find twists and curves to make it relevant to students of today.

VISUAL MODELS

The power of the visual is important, especially for an art classroom. Visuals give students inspiration for their own artwork as they try to emulate the teacher. Each step guides the student to better understand their own work process.