Arts Monday- Pastel Portraits

Happy Fourth of July. Celebrate with cupcakes!

Here are a few photos from last weeks fourth of July crafts. Did you participate?

Daniel is "working" on his shirt.
Ian freehands his flag.
Our friend Miriam was over for the morning.
Alex really was enjoying himself.
We moved on to paper crafts from our t-shirts.


Daniel couldn't figure out how to use those scissors.

And the end results?
Daniel really enjoyed stamping on the t-shirt (and himself)
Harrison's shirt looked exactly as the activity was planned.
Ian decided that he wanted a texas flag instead of fireworks.
Miriam spent a lot of time customizing her shirt, finished off with a few fireworks at the bottom.
And the table was filled to brim with t-shirts, hats and other fun crafts. We were ready and festive.

So, what are this weeks crafts you ask?

Pastel Portraits.

Expressionist artists use soft lines and color to create a mood - in addition to the actual image they're drawing. Try making your own expressionist portrait or self-portrait.


You will need:

Wide tip black marker
8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper
Clear Tape
8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of acetate (available at copy shops and craft stores)
Oil pastels
9x12 in sheet of colored construction paper.

Step 1:
With the marker, draw a large face (fill the paper). Go over the drawing a second time to make sure the lines are thick. Have them draw each individual feature - the eyes, nose, hair, mouth, ears, etc. This helps to create the style of the picture rather than a stick figure.

If your child is reluctant to draw freehand, let her use an image from a photo, magazine, or coloring book. Just outline the details of the face with the marker before taping the acetate over it. For more of a challenge give your child a handheld mirror and let her try sketching a self portrait.

Step 2:
Tape the clear acetate on top of the drawing. Use the pastels to color in the face on the acetate, but leave all the black lines uncovered.

Step 3:
Remove the acetate from the original drawing and tape it over the construction paper. Add more detail with the pastels if desired, but be sure to leave some places where the color of the construction paper can show through.

Need a picture to use? Just google images of faces or portraits online.

What does an expressionist portrait look like? Here is an example. Notice the face isn't outlined? Feel free to look up more images.