Students chose an image of a person that has been a role model in their lives. They did research on their role model's life and accomplishments. We used the opaque projector to project an enlarged version of a printed image of their role model on the wall. Students traced the projection, focusing on the shapes that are created by highlights and shadows. The highlights and shadows were then number in a range from 1-5, with 5 being the darkest shade. They created a value scale of one colour with 5 values and proceeded to paint their image according to the numbered scale.

The project below was completed with Grade 8 students.

Materials: opaque projector, 18x24 paper, pencils, tempera paint

Process Work

Students chose a famous painting that they wanted to work with. They did a sketchbook drawing of the painting and then decided what 'modern twist' they were going to give it. Next, they drew the image onto a piece of gessoed Stonehenge and then painted the image with acrylic paints. We first covered a series of Acrylic Paint Techniques as well as experimental paintings in the style of their chosen artist in preparation for their final paintings. Students also completed an Art History Page after researching their artist and style. 

You can tell by the paintings below how much they were into this project!

Final Paintings

Materials: gesso, Stonehenge paper, acrylic paint

After studying Salvador Dali's famous painting, "The Persistence of Memory", students learned about the concept of 'parody'. With that in mind, they revisited the painting and created a comedic 'parody'. Choices were to change only the clocks (from the original painting) into new objects, change only the background and leave the clocks, or change both. The results are funny and creative!

Materials: 8x11 white paper, pencil crayons

Using a photograph of the back of their heads, students used scratch art tools to scratch into black scratch art paper. Having bright white areas completely scratched out and areas with fewer lines developed the highlights and shadows on the drawings.

Materials: 8x10 scratch art paper, scratch art tools

Students researched a famous person that has been an inspiration in their personal lives. They drew a large portrait in either tone or colour and inserted an inspirational quote onto the background of the drawing.

Materials: 18x24 paper, chalk pastels, mixed materials for quotes

Students used the grid technique to grid a black and white photograph of themselves. They then drew the outline of their image and filled in the space with a variety of text. Focus on light and shadows.

This project also works really well in a Media Arts class. I've used it during studies on Typography.

11x 14 Mayfair, pencils, sharpies, fine liners

Students used the grid technique on a black and white photograph of themselves making a silly face! They then drew the photo with a focus on tone and pencil shading.

The images below are from Grade 9 students!

Materials: 11x14 Mayfair, pencils, kneaded erasers, charcoal, photographs