Self-Portraits

A self-portrait is a painting or drawing of yourself that is done by yourself.

Each year I like to have my students start their art exploration with self-portraits (K-8th). Students use their best drawing skills to capture their current appearance and demonstrate their artistic abilities. Once their pictures are full of color I hide the portraits away until the end of the year. Many forget that they have created a self-portrait.

Why hide them away?

Well, many of my students can not see how much they grow as artists during the school year.
Some will not believe me when I tell them, "You have improved!" or "You are doing awesome!" So to help my kids realize their potential I keep their pictures and repeat the lesson again during the last weeks in the classroom.

During those last few class times we create a book with one self-portrait next to the other. Laughter and grins are usually the result. They will say- "Look how I used to draw. I am so much better now!"

I challenge them to evaluate their work with questions like:
Can you compare and contrast the two? What is different?
In which areas did you improve?
How has your coloring changed?
Do you have more details then you had before?
Now, when I tell you that you are becoming a better artist will you believe me?

Proud kids will show off their work to their peers and teachers. Parents who have worried about their child's growth will see a light of encouragement. It is a wonderful moment for me as a teacher.

Portrait-portfolios are a great way to encourage  hesitant artists and boast self-confidence in all grades. Little steps or large steps, everyone will improve. Now they can see it for themselves.