Discuss abstraction in art, where color, shape, line and form work together to create a unique composition that departs from reality.
Talk about portraiture throughout Art History.
Introduce the idea of pareidolia, where the mind perceives meaningful patterns or images from random data, i.e. seeing faces or figures in rock faces.
Demonstrate willingness to create and not dictate specific outcomes, embrace the spontaneity in the creative process!

Mounting board – 8”x10” Savage TruBlack Presentation Mount Board - sold pre-cut
Previously marbled paper, see Suminagashi/Japanese Paper Marbling lesson plan (optional)
Maps, newspaper flyers, old magazines, decorative or other printed paper
Solid color cardstock or construction paper – Canford colored paper (150gsm/100lbs)
Glue stick – UHU glue stick
Scissors or X-ACTO knife, cutting surface – can also tear paper
Optional: Colored pencils, pens or markers for final details & embellishments

Decide on a gesture for your portrait. Will you include legs, torso, hands? What emotion or mood do you want conveyed through facial expressions? Will your face be straight forward or in profile?
Choose one sheet of colored card stock or construction paper
Take your marbled paper and begin to look for shapes or lines that resemble parts of a figure or facial features. Do this with your other paper selections
Cut out shapes you would like to use in your artwork
Begin to arrange cut out pieces on the mounting board
When you have a majority of the first layer arranged how you like, glue and tack paper in place
Continue looking at your paper material for additional shapes, lines, colors, and forms you would like to add to your composition
Sign your artwork
Discuss the finished portraits as a group