Geometric Portraits
Learning Targets
I can...
- Create an original Geometric Portrait using drawing techniques learned in class
- Use shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), color combinations (analogous, warm colors, cool colors), and space (positive, negative) inspired by American Artist (2009-Present) Alison Kunath
- Use low poly techniques (modeling, rendering, sharp angles, flat colors) and design principles (repetition, composition, proportion) based on Abstract Art
- Define Faceted Mosaic Style (a contemporary approach where small pieces are arranged to create an image with a geometric appearance)
Lesson One
Day One, Art Start
1. Frida Kahlo (2018) Alison Kunath
2. Read Shapes That Roll by Karen Nagel
3. Discussion Questions "What do you think this portrait communicates about the person? If you could describe the person in one word, based on the portrait, what would it be? What did you learn from looking at other's geometric portraits? How does using shapes to create a portrait differ from drawing a realistic portrait? What would you tell someone about the process for making this portrait? How are you doing to use lines of symmetry, parallel lines, or angles in your work? How did you decide on a final composition and arrangement of shapes? What was the most challenging part of the process? What is your plan for turning basic shapes into a facial feature like an eye or mouth? How does the artist use color to describe the person? What emotions or feelings do different shape and colors create for you? How does the arrangement of shapes help you understand or imagine the person? Are the shapes geometric (hard-edged) or biomorphic (nature)? What types of shapes can you see in this portrait?"
Lesson Activities
1. Choose 24" X 36" Painting Paper
2. Use a protractor, straight edge, and compass to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to help divide each section of the Geometric Portraits
3. Use a protractor, straight edge, and compass to start drawing the positive space (facial features, accessories, foreground) of the Geometric Portraits
Day Two, Art Start
1. Retrieve Geometric Portrait for Assigned Tables
2. Maya Angelou (2017) Alison Kunath
3. Discussion Questions "Can mathematical concepts be a type of artwork? What shapes can you see in your portrait? How did you use the shapes to create the features of the face (eyes, nose, mouth)? Did you use mostly straight or curved lines? Are all the sides of a shape the same length? How can you tell? Can you find any patterns or symmetry in your artwork? How did noticing the shapes help you create your portrait? What part of the portrait is the main focus (focal point)? How does the placement of shape help to create balance in the picture? Does it look like we are looking up at the person, looking down at them, or looking straight across? Are some shapes layered on top of others? What effect does that have? How did you use the background space? Does it have shapes too or is it plain? What words would you use to describe the style of your portrait (vibrant, serious, playful, complex)?"
Lesson Activities
1. Fill in the positive space (facial features, accessories, foreground) with color combinations (analogous, warm colors, cool colors) for the Geometric Portraits
2. Fill in the negative space (background) with color combinations (analogous, warm colors, cool colors) for the Geometric Portraits
3. Write personal signature with color combinations (analogous, warm colors, cool colors) in the positive space (facial features, accessories, foreground) of the Geometric Portraits
Day Three, Art Start
1. Retrieve Geometrie Portraits for Assigned Tables
2. Set Up Studio Area (acrylic paint, paint brushes, paint bucket)
Lesson Activities
1. Add details (line types, patterns, designs) with color combinations (analogous, warm colors, cool colors) in the positive space (facial features, accessories, foreground) of the Geometric Portraits
2. Use highlights (reflective light, light source) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, portrait) of the Geometric Portraits
3. Use shadows (cast shadow, reflective shadow, shadow) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Geometric Portraits
Artist Examples
Student Examples 
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