beginnerswork

These portraits were created by Pre-K over two weeks, but this collage method works for anyone at any age.

It is a visual language set up for this occasion, and can be easily understood by the artist and audience alike. 

I've often thought about having my family do this at Thanksgiving...

Portraits are a wonderful way to learn about yourself or someone else. This is the first in a series of methods for creating portraits with beginners. It's a week long project that if completed in a mindful way, will result in charming, frame-worthy art. 

Starting in the middle of September, there is a lot of talk among beginners about Halloween.

"What are you going to be for Halloween?"

"What's Halloween?" 

"I didn't know I could be something else... I'm  just getting used to the self I already am..."

I think that this self portrait project is a grounding activity that will help children secure their hold on reality. This will allow them to join in the coming celebration of fantasy, shape shifting and revelry, that almost everyone (especially me) thinks is fun. 

Young beginners usually go along by Halloween, but they can also be filled with trepidation, sometimes resulting in a surprise meltdown on the big day. This layered process will seem meditative and natural to them, if you allow enough time.

What could please an early beginner more than an activity centered on them? The excitement will build as they construct and put together a concrete picture of themselves. A hard copy of their own growing awareness. It seems like a lot of work, but it's mostly planning, patience and above all paper clips! And so worth it....

THE PROCESS 

POSSIBLE EXPRESSIONS

STEPS





  EYES, MOUTH and NOSE:

   

I suggest when ever you do a meaningful project, you use the best materials you can find and afford. The quality of the materials is reflected in the finished piece. When you make complex and layered art you actually use less. More about materials...