Chuck Close Inspired Portrait Lesson
Project: Chuck Close Gridded Portraits
Grade: 9
Standards: 3PR: Explore multiple solutions to visual art problems through preparatory work. 3RE: Use appropriate vocabulary to define and describe techniques and materials used to create works of art. 2PR: Apply the elements and principles of art and design using a variety of media to solve specific visual art problems. 1PE: Examine and articulate the effects of context on visual imagery.
Vocabulary:
Chuck Close: Contemporary painter, photographer, and printmaker known for using a grid and photorealism in his work.
Contemporary Art: Art of right now, installation, photography, painting, etc. Arguable start date of the late 60’s
Photorealism: detailed visual representation, like that obtained in a photograph, in a non-photographic medium.
Composition: the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art.
Contrast: the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement, and drama.
Grid: A method for enlarging a small design to a full size drawing.
Tint: a tint is the mixture of a color with white, which increases lightness.
Shade: and a shade is the mixture of a color with black, which reduces lightness.
Value: The lightness or darkness of tones or colors.
Analogous Colors: Colors that are next to each other on the color wheel.
Complementary Colors: Colors directly opposite from one another on the color wheel.
Materials:
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Laptop computer, projector, internet access.
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11x14 pieces of Bristol Board or sturdy drawing paper. Rulers. 2H or 4H drawing pencils. Drawing erasers. 3-4 sets of colored pencils. Pencil sharpeners.
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PowerPoint about Chuck Close, YouTube documentary on Chuck Close, teacher sample of completed project.
Lesson Objectives:
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Students will successfully construct a grid to guide their composition.
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Students will focus on color relationships and choose two colors to pattern with each other to make a checkerboard out of their grid.
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Students will complete a finished drawing of their chosen animal using the checkerboard pattern, having added black and white colored pencil for tints and shades to develop form.
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Students will reiterate the importance/benefits of photorealism and portraiture as a form of contemporary art.
Procedures:
Day 1:
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Show Powerpoint of Chuck Close & pass around completed teacher sample
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Allow students time to find reference photos (discuss elements of good portraiture)
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Demonstrate how to draw a grid on both their photos, and final drawing paper (talk about enlarging proportionally).
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If time, begin drawing the contours on the final paper
Day 2:
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Review color & value terms
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Students can finish up contour drawings & begin adding colors (choose two colors for their checkerboard either analogous or complementary)
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Talk about adding tints and shades to create value
Day 3 & Beyond:
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Students will complete a portrait of a celebrity of their choosing with a full value range
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Critique finished projects as a group
Powerpoint for Lesson
Student Work
(These students chose to do animal portraiture)
