These amazing pictures were created with a painted paper background and black marker drawings on acetate. Before beginning we looked at examples and discussed the difference between realism (life-like), semi-abstract (altered, but the original subject is still recognizable). We visualized a realism-abstract continuum - on one end is art as realistic as we can make it, on the far end is totally abstract - so changed or totally divorced from the original inspiration that it is no longer recognizable. And in between are infinite levels of the semi-abstract.
This week we are using photos of ourselves as the starting point for a semi-abstract self portrait.
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| Chan N (Yr 3) |
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| Bronte B (Yr 4) |
The kids had an absolutely free hand in how they designed and painted their backgrounds, using a metallic glitter paint. This paint is quite translucent, with a subtle glittery finish which is bright and colorful, but still allows the drawing overlay to stand out.
After completing the backgrounds we laid a sheet of acetate over photographs (taken a week or two ago, which I photo-shopped to remove the background) and traced over them with black permanent markers. The process of eliminating shading and reducing the photograph to a purely linear drawing creates enough changes to subtly alter the picture to the semi-abstract, while still maintaining the essence and personality of the original.
We put our photos at the realistic end of the realism-abstract continuum. The photo-shopped images came next, close to the realistic end of the continuum, and our line tracings a little further along the line leading towards abstract.
I love these pictures, they are so full of life and interesting line work!
Next week we are going to use the same photos to create a completely different self portrait .... these pictures will go much further along the continuum towards abstract, although they will still be recognizably based on the human face.
Don't you just love digital technology? The creative possibilities are endless!
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| Harrison B (Yr 1) |
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| Ruby S (Yr 3) |
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| Barnaby J (Yr 3) |
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| Charlotte G (Yr 1) |
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| Thomas T (Yr 3) |
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| Tim H (Yr 3) |
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| Millie A (Yr 3) |
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| Elize B (Yr 2) |
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| Teddy H (Yr 3) |
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| Jasmin T (Yr 6) |
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| Emily W (Yr 3) |
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| Maddy W (Yr 5) |
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| RJ H (Yr 5) |
Charlotte (G) is really enjoying your class. Thank you for posting one of her pictures, she is very excited about it! Helen (Charlotte's mum)
These pictures are just wonderful, such a clever idea and so well done by all the children. I knew instantly which one was Charlotte as it's so life like.
Well done all
Nick & Ian Newman (UK)
As Charlotte G's (year 1)Grandmother(Nanna)in England,I am so thrilled to see what she has achieved under your excellent tutelage.Well done to all of you.What inspired teaching!Pat Brafield
Thanks Helen, I'm so glad Charlotte is enjoying the lessons - I have a lot of fun presenting them!!
Thanks also Nick and Ian - your comment will mean so much to Charlotte, and all the children will be thrilled to see that we have an overseas visitor!
Elizabeth :)
Thanks Pat! Charlotte's doing great work, and is an absolute pleasure to have in the class :)
Thank you Elizabeth. Elize loved seeing her picture on the internet.
My pleasure, she has done a great job!
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