ELF PORTRAITS

Elf Portraits

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Elf Portrait using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), shape variation (geometric, organic, free form), and texture (actual visual implied) inspired by American Illustrator (1983-Present) Mary Engelbreit
• Use portrait styles (profile, three-quarter, full face, self-portrait) and design principles (repetition, contrast, balance) based on American Art
• Define Portrait (a picture, painting, photograph, or sculpture of a person that focuses mainly on face and expression)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Merry Mushroom Elf (2002) Mary Engelbreit

2. Read "How To Catch An Elf" by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

3. Discussion Questions "What do you know about Christmas? What patterns did you use to create the background of your artwork? What did you add to the clothing to make it appear like it belonged to an elf? What emotions (joy, anger, sadness, gear, surprise) do you feel when you look at your artwork? Why would you make a good elf? What do you notice about an elf's clothing, hat, and shoes? How can we make our elf look unique instead of making every elf the same? How can you use art elements (line, shape, pattern) to decorate an elf? What could you add to the background to tell a story? How could using different colors (warm colors, cool colors, complementary colors) change the personality of the elf? How can artists use line, shape, color, pattern, and imagination to create a unique character? How can artists use facial expressions and body positions to communicate emotion?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Use graphite pencil to draw line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) of facial proportions (head, face, shoulder) of the Elf Portraits

3. Use graphite pencil to add facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, portrait) of the Elf Portraits 

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Elf Portraits For Assigned Tables

2. Christmas Mischief (2023) Mary Engelbreit

3. Discussion Questions "Do you think this artwork is a self-portrait? How does this portrait make you feel? Are you interested in the portrait? Do you like the way the artist has arranged the picture? Do you like the way the artist has shown details? What is a portrait? What does the picture tell you about the time that the subject was made? How do you think the artist felt about the person he or she painted? How do you think the person in this picture is feeling? What is the mood of the person in this picture? Are the lines in the portrait straight or curved? How often does the artist repeat certain colors or shapes within the portrait? What does the background and the objects in the background of the picture tell us? How much space has the artist left around the person? What view of the person is pictured?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add adornments (earrings, jewelry, hairstyles, clothing) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, portrait) of the Elf Portraits

2. Add costumes (jewelry, clothing, make up) to the positive space (foreground, middle ground, portrait) of the Elf Portraits

3. Use black sharpie marker to outline the facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, ears) and facial proportions (head, face, shoulder) of the Elf Portraits

Day Three, Art Start 

Retrieve Elf Portraits for Assigned Tables 

2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, scissors, markers, crayons)

Lesson Activities

1. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the positive space (foreground, middle ground, portrait) of the Elf Portraits

2. Use color combinations (analogous, complementary, secondary) to fill in the negative space (background) of the Elf Portraits 

3. Use value (lightness, darkness) to add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow) and highlights (reflective light, light source) to the Elf Portraits 

Artist Examples

Student Examples