Warhol Self PortraitsWarhol Self-Portraits

 

Students modify a digital self-portrait to create an outline version. Then they use eight copies of the picture to create a collage in the style of Andy Warhol.

 

Materials

  • digital camera
  • photo editing software--I use Kodak EasyShare software which came with my camera, and is also available for a free download.
  • printer
  • white copy paper
  • 12"x18" black construction paper
  • white glue
  • watercolor paints
  • brushes
  • water

Directions

  1. Introduce Andy Warhol to the class. If possible have reproductions of "100 Soup Cans, 25 Marilyns and Green Coca-Cola Bottles, 1962. Explain the term "pop art" and how the term applies to Warhol's work. Also point out the use of repetition in Warhol's work and how he wanted to become a machine.

  2. Explain to the students that they will be creating self-portraits, but using Warhol's sense of color and use of repetition. Take a close-up picture of each student's face using the digital camera. Take the pictures in front of a plain background.

  3. Use the photo editing software to change each student's picture to "coloring book" outline style. Using Kodak EasyShare, click on the picture and then click on the "Edit" button on the top of the screen. Then click "Fun Effects." Next, click on "Coloring Book." If you don't like the way the picture looks, click cancel and try again. Depending on the photo, you may get better results by using the "Spotlight" or "Cartoon" button before you use "Coloring Book."

  4. Save each edited photo. Print each student's portrait 8 times in a 4''x6" size.

  5. Have each student paint each portrait with watercolor paints using 3 or 4 colors. They are to color each section of the portrait (hair, face, shoulders and background) a solid color. Students can only use a color combination once. They can use the same colors again, but not the same combination. Do not use black, white and brown. Keep their portraits as bright and colorful as possible.

  6. Once the students have finished painting each portrait, they cut them apart to slightly smaller than the original 4"x6" size.

  7. Give each student a sheet of 12"x18" black construction paper. The students are to arrange and then glue their 8 portraits horizontally to the black paper.