📖

Artists' Self-Portraits

Self-Portrait Project

Day 56of 180
Week 12of 36
45Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how artists use self-portraits to express identity

2

Analyze famous self-portraits from different artistic periods

3

Develop appreciation for personal artistic expression

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 139:14

“I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.”

— Psalm 139:14 (WEB)

Connects to the idea of personal identity and unique creation

📦 Materials Needed

  • Art history book or printed images of self-portraits
  • Drawing paper
  • Pencils
  • Mirrors
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade 4 Art
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Introduce the concept of self-portraits by showing various examples

💭 Review Question: What did we learn about drawing faces in our last lesson?
2Teaching (15 min)

Explore famous self-portraits and their significance

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • How artists reveal their personality through self-portraits
  • Different styles and approaches to self-representation
  • Emotional and spiritual aspects of self-portraiture
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do you notice about how these artists drew themselves?
  • How might a self-portrait show more than just what someone looks like?
3Activity: Self-Portrait Detective (18 min)
analysis

Carefully analyze 3-4 different self-portraits

📝 Instructions:
  1. Observe each portrait carefully
  2. Note the artist's expression
  3. Identify unique artistic techniques
  4. Discuss what the portrait might reveal about the artist
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Focus on 2 easier-to-understand portraits

Challenge: Research the historical context of each portrait

4Closing (7 min)

Reflect on how we are uniquely created by God

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did we learn about self-portraits today?
  • How does Psalm 139:14 relate to our art lesson?

Coming up: Tomorrow, we'll start observing our own facial features in preparation for our self-portrait

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Self-portraits are deeply personal artistic expressions that go beyond mere physical representation

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use the BibleMouse Resource Guide for additional visual aids
  • Encourage gentle, positive discussion about artistic differences
  • Help child see beauty in individual uniqueness
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might feel self-conscious about their drawing abilities

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Curiosity about artistic expression, growing confidence

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a journal entry about what makes you unique
  • Try sketching a quick self-portrait using different emotions
  • Discuss famous Christian artists and their self-portraits

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 57 →Back to Art