Chuck Close Style Self-Portraits

Students in middle school created these self-portraits in the style of American artist Chuck Close. We began by working from a photograph- students drew a 1/2 inch grid over the photo and a 1 and 1/2 inch grid over a 12x18 sheet of drawing paper. We then transferred the information over so the portrait was accurate and proportional. Next, students chose a color and created a value scale in that color from light to dark. The drawing was then filled in with different values that matched the black and white photograph. Students had to become comfortable with blending and creating many values within the portrait. I do this project every year and the results are always incredible!

Middle School Self-Portraits

Students in middle school created these self-portraits in the style of American artist Chuck Close. We began by working from a photograph- students drew a 1/2 inch grid over the photo and a 1 and 1/2 inch grid over a 12x18 sheet of drawing paper. We then transferred the information over so the portrait was accurate and proportional. Next, students chose a color and created a value scale in that color from light to dark. The drawing was then filled in with different values that matched the black and white photograph. Students had to become comfortable with blending and creating many values within the portrait. I do this project every year and the results are always incredible!

Chuck Close Style Self-Portraits

Students in middle school created these self-portraits in the style of American artist Chuck Close. We began by working from a photograph- students drew a 1/2 inch grid over the photo and a 1 and 1/2 inch grid over a 12x18 sheet of drawing paper. We then transferred the information over so the portrait was accurate and proportional. Next, students chose a color and created a value scale in that color from light to dark. The drawing was then filled in with different values that matched the black and white photograph. Students had to become comfortable with blending and creating many values within the portrait. I do this project every year and the results are always incredible!

Self-Portraits Chuck Close Style

Students in middle school created these self-portraits in the style of American artist Chuck Close. We began by working from a photograph- students drew a 1/2 inch grid over the photo and a 1 and 1/2 inch grid over a 12x18 sheet of drawing paper. We then transferred the information over so the portrait was accurate and proportional. Next, students chose a color and created a value scale in that color from light to dark. The drawing was then filled in with different values that matched the black and white photograph. Students had to become comfortable with blending and creating many values within the portrait. I do this project every year and the results are always incredible!

Chuck Close Self-Portraits

Students in 7th and 8th grade completed these self-portraits in the style of American painter Chuck Close. We began by drawing a 1/2 inch grid over top of a photograph and a 1 and 1/2 inch grid over a large piece of paper. Students then transferred the information to create an accurate and proportional drawing. These were then filled in with oil pastels. Students used light and dark values to create a three-dimensional looking person. The background was then filled in using analogous colors to create a sense of unity throughout the artwork.

Monochromatic Self-Portraits

International Academy students created these self-portraits as their first complete project of the new school year. We began by taking selfies in class. Students then drew out a 1/2 inch grid over top of the photo. Next, we drew out a 1 and 1/2 inch grid on a 12' x 18' paper. Students then transferred the information from the photo to the paper keeping the portrait to scale and perfectly dimensional. Once complete, the students used oil pastels in one color to fill in the portrait. Oil pastels are great to blend and create different values to give the portrait more dimension. The final step was to paint in the background and add some splatter for fun. The students also learned about American artist Chuck Close who is famous for this style of portraiture.

Chuck Close Inspired Self-Portraits

Here is the latest round of Chuck Close style portraits done in oil pastel by the 7th and 8th grade International Academy students! We drew out a grid over photographs of the students and then created a larger scale grid over a 12" x 18" paper. After students transferred the information to complete a proportional drawing, we used our knowledge of value to shade with oil pastels. The backgrounds were filled in with a texture rubbing and watercolor paint in a color scheme.

Realistic vs. Expressive Portraits

Students in grades 4-6 created these watercolor portraits as their first artworks of the year! We began by drawing a proportional and detailed drawing of the face and outlining it with crayon. These portraits were then painted with watercolors. Students looked at the artwork of Chuck Close and Leonardo da Vinci and compared realistic and expressive portraits. Students then could choose to paint in the style they preferred.

Chuck Close Self-Portraits

International Academy students created these portraits in the style of American artist Chuck Close. Chuck Close is famous for drawing grids over photographs and using scale and ratios to create very large scale paintings. Students drew a grid over photographs so the larger drawings were proportional and accurate. These were then filled in with oil pastels so we could create realistic values. Students colored in the backgrounds with a complementary color for some added contrast. It's always a thrill for such young students to be able to create such a recognizable portrait!

Chuck Close Inspired Portraits

Here is the latest round of Chuck Close style portraits done in oil pastel by the 7th and 8th grade International Academy students! We drew out a grid over photographs of the students and then created a larger scale grid over a 12" x 18" paper. After students transferred the information to complete a proportional drawing, we used our knowledge of value to shade with oil pastels. The background patterns were made with the complementary color clash to make the portraits really pop!