Pat Rucker, Jefferson County Schools, Colorado

RATIONALE:
Portraits are described as the likeness of a person, further defined as an artist's interpretation of that person. That interpretation is influenced by the artist's technical ability, her knowledge of the person portrayed and his feelings toward humanity. The self-portrait then is the artist's opportunity to search and probe their own personality, to elaborate on the personal qualities they deem important, and to look at themselves intensely and profoundly.

UNIT OBJECTIVE:
To create a large self-portrait in selected media that has been "sketched" using Adobe Photoshop Filters and Color Enhancement commands.

INSTRUCTION SEQUENCE:
Students compare and contrast portraits and self-portraits through the use of CD-ROM, laser disks, books, or slides. (AESTHETICS: Benchmark A. Identify and discuss various works of art.) During the review of portraits and self-portraits, students will describe and discuss characteristics of the portrait, organizational principles, styles and media used to create the work.

Students will have their picture taken and then import their digitized images into Adobe Photoshop to create an electronic sketchbook of 5-8 sketches using the Adobe Photoshop Filters and Color Enhancement commands.(PERCEPTION: Benchmark A:Experiment with elements of art within given parameters.and B select and employ the principles of design to solve visual problems.)

A variety of methods can be used to take a portrait of a student:

• From a photo that has been scanned in on a flat bed or slide scanner.
• From a photo that has been processed and pressed to a CD
• Using a camcorder and a software application such as Avid Videoshop to capture an image.
• A digital camera

Students open their image in photoshop and experiment with Filters and Image commands, always UNDOING after each command:

Following the experimentation with the commands the students then combine commands to create 5-7 portraits for their electronic sketchbook.

Students then select one of their images to enlarge and further enhance using traditional art materials in a studio or art room setting. (APPLICATION: Benchmark B: Choose materials, techniques, and processes which enhance the communication of ideas.)

Following a demonstration on enlarging using a grid students will use pencil to lay in the basic components of their portrait on a surface.

Various media are available to the student . Students experiment with materials and processes before the final self-portrait is begun. We have used oil pastels, colored pencil, cut paper, charcoal, linoleum prints, paint and markers for their final work based on the investigation of tools and materials.

Students then present their works of art to the class and participate in a class discussion.

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