CHUCK CLOSE PATTERN PORTRAITS

I can...

• Create an original Chuck Close Pattern Portrait using photoshop techniques learned in class
• Use line variation (swirls, stripes, dots), shape variation (geometric, organic), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Painter (1940-Present) Chuck Close
• Use graphic design techniques (adjustment, arrangement, cropping) and design principles (proportion, graduation, repetition) based on Photorealism
• Define Portrait (a work of art only depicting the face, head, and shoulders)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Lucus l (1986-1987) Chuck Close
2. Read Chuck Close: Up Close by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
3. Discussion Questions "What is similar between these paintings? How are the two paintings different? What similarities and differences can you find? How does Chuck Close create his paintings? How do you make a big head? How do you make a nose? How does his behavior inform his work and shape our cultural narrative? Why does context matter? What does he start with when making a painting? What part of his paintings does he want to be most important? How did Chuck Close make the mustache in the image? Why does Chuck Close use a grid method for his artwork? What are the different types of printmaking and art making that Chuck Close uses?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add lines for proportions (head, neck, shoulders) within the positive space (silhouette) of the pattern portrait
2. Use drawing tool to draw contour line of facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) of the positive space (silhouette) of the pattern portrait
3. Use drawing tool to add characteristics (smile, accessories, glasses) to the positive space (silhouette) of the pattern portrait 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Chuck Close Pattern Portraits for Assigned Table
2. Self Portrait (2000) Chuck Close
3. Discussion Questions "How would Chuck Close answer questions about his life and work in an interview? What actions did Chuck Close's family take that supported his interest in art? Do you think this support was important in him becoming an artist? How does Chuck Close involve his friends and family to make art? What kind of injury does Chuck Close suffer from? What are the steps Chuck Close goes through in a series when making a painting? What devices, tools, and help does Chuck Close use to overcome his physical problems? What kind of student was Chuck Close? How and why does Chuck Close make his style of portrait art? Why does Chuck Close use a grid method for his artwork?" 

Lesson Activities 

1. Add adornments (jewelry, hairstyles, freckles) to positive space (face, head, shoulder) of pattern portraits
2. Add patterns (swirls, dots, stripes) to positive space (face, head, shoulder) of pattern portrait
3. Add patterns (swirls, dots, stripes) to negative space (background) of Chuck Close Pattern Portraits

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Chuck Close Pattern Portraits for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (computer, photographs, photoshop, gimp)

Lesson Activities

1. Use paint bucket tool to fill in the positive space (head, face, shoulder) with complementary colors (red green; blue orange; purple yellow) of pattern portrait
2. Use paint brush tool to fill in the negative space (head, face, shoulder) with complementary colors (red green; blue orange; purple yellow) of pattern portrait
3. Use adjustments to add shadows (cast shadow, shadow) and highlights (light source, reflective light) to Chuck Close Pattern Portraits

Artist Examples

Student Examples