Portrait Pattern Collage Illustration

Lesson Summary

In this lesson, students will create a "Portrait Pattern Collage Illustration." They can draw their portrait by hand, use a portrait photo of themselves, or select a photo of a person from a magazine. Their illustrations will incorporate various shapes with patterns drawn inside them. This mixed media project allows students to apply many of the art techniques and materials they have learned throughout the semester.

Lesson Objectives

• Create a "Portrait Pattern Collage Illustration."

• Experiment with new ideas, techniques, and materials.

• Combine various art techniques and materials learned throughout the semester.

Brainstorming Questions

1. What kind of portrait do you want to create? Will you draw it by hand, use a photo of yourself, or cut out a photo from a magazine? 

2. How do you feel about working without preliminary sketches? Do you think it will help you feel more free or more challenged in your creative process?

3. What materials and techniques are you excited to use for creating your patterns? Why do these appeal to you?

4. What kind of final result are you aiming for in your "Portrait Pattern Collage Illustration"? What do you want to express through your artwork?

5. What skills or knowledge from previous projects do you plan to apply in this project? Are there any new techniques or ideas you want to experiment with?

Instructions

1. Creating the Portrait and Layout:

   • Begin by deciding on your portrait. You may draw it by hand, use a photo of yourself, or cut out a photo from a magazine. Once selected, layout your portrait on illustration paper.

2. Designing the Background:

   • Draw the background around your portrait. Ensure the background consists of clear, distinct shapes where patterns can be drawn inside.

3. Drawing Patterns:

   • After finishing your initial drawing in pencil, outline the shapes with markers. Fill these shapes with various pattern designs. Practice each pattern on a test paper before drawing them on your illustration.

4. Adding Color:

   • Once the patterns are complete, add color using markers or watercolor paint. Be mindful of color choices to enhance your patterns and overall design.

5. Experimentation and Improvisation:

   • Feel free to experiment with your own patterns and ideas. You may add images from magazines or incorporate other mediums into your artwork. Always test new ideas on a separate sheet of paper before adding them to your final piece.

Final Notes

• Embrace the experimental nature of this assignment. Some ideas may work well, while others may not turn out as expected. The goal is to explore and learn from the process.

• Enjoy the creative journey and be open to unexpected outcomes. The final result will be a unique blend of your skills and creativity.

Terminology

• Collage: An artistic composition made by gluing various materials like paper, photos, or fabric onto a surface.

• Mixed Media: Artworks composed from a combination of different media or materials.

• Pattern: A repeated decorative design.

• Improvisation: The act of creating spontaneously without pre-planning.

• Outline: Drawing the external edges of a shape or figure.

• Medium: The materials or tools used by an artist to create a work of art.