Step 1: Analyzing a Portrait
Have students work in pairs or small groups. Students should choose a contemporary portrait to work with:
As a class, talk about the results. Why do students think the artist made these choices? What might they tell us about the subject, the purpose of the portrait, and the time and place it was created?
Help students uncover additional layers of meaning by using the Unveiling Stories exercise developed by the National Portrait Gallery. Discuss these questions:
Step 2: Creating a Portrait
Have your students create an original portrait or self-portrait in a medium of their choice, incorporating the elements identified in Step 1 (clothing, pose, gaze, expression, setting, objects, and colors).
Students should consider who they want to represent (themselves, a friend or family member, or a public figure) and what aspects of this person they want to portray.
Students can create a photograph, drawing, collage, digital artwork, etc.! Ask students to title their portrait and provide a descriptive caption.
Assessment Activity
Have students present their portraits to the class, identifying the elements they have included and describing the stories their portraits tell. Invite students to submit their portraits to a Maine Contemporary Archives project to share with your community! (Use this list to find a participating library near you.) Each project has its own Terms and Conditions for contributions, get in touch if you have any questions.