K/1s and 2/3s Paint Self-Portraits

Annually all Parker students in grades K-8 draw or paint a head and shoulders self-portrait. It is wonderful to see them all displayed in the hall and to notice the developmental differences through the grades. The portraits are then turned into the next year's school calendar. The K/1s and 2/3s begin this lesson by looking in the mirror and noticing the shapes they see and where their features are in relation to one another. They first do a sketch, then draw their image and finally add tempera paint.

First sketch

Careful observing in the mirror

Checking with the mirror

Beginning to add paint

Painting the skin tones

Deciding what's next

Moving to final paper

Trying to make sure the mirror and drawing images match up

Matching skin tones

Concentrating on small details