LESSON PRESENTATION INSTRUCTIONS
SHAPE
PICASSO PORTRAIT
Lesson Objectives: Students will learn and discuss the artwork of Pablo Picasso, abstract and cubism. Students will create an abstract portrait emulating Picasso’s style.
Time Required: 1 hour
Artist: Pablo Picasso, The Portrait of Dora Maar
Materials:
12”x 18” White construction paper
Pencil
Black Sharpie Markers
Oil Pastels
Presentation:
Discuss Pablo Picasso and cubism. Show how in the portrait, Picasso has painted the impossible: ½ of Dora’s face is painted full-on, while the other ½ is painted in profile. Discuss shape and what shapes are present in faces.
Procedure:
- Pass out the paper. Write names on back. Turning the paper vertical, draw a face shape, in pencil, in the middle of the paper. Emphasize that the face can be ANY shape – not just oval. Make it large. When it’s done, the face should fill the paper.
- Students then draw a “profile” line going down the middle of the face, thereby making the face look like it was actually 2 faces – a profile view, and a front view.
- Add facial characteristics: Eyes, extra nose, mouths, emphasizing the use of SHAPES, and really putting their imagination to the test. They can add one ear, two, or none.
- Discuss the various types of lines that could be used to make hair. Specify that the hair must lead from one side of the paper to another.
- Trace the entire drawing using a black sharpie and then add color with oil pastels.
- Optional: Outline the drawing again with a black oil pastel to make it stand out.
