self portrait as animal

   We discussed animal totems in the Native American tradition, what each of us thought our totem(s) were or might be, and looked up qualities associated with those animal totems.
   Then the students looked at some reference images online and brainstormed on paper about what their compositions might look like before beginning their official totem piece, imaging themselves or their spirit in the animals they were depicting.
   Very interesting and lovely results!

art of the self portrait - week 3

   This week we returned to blind contour or partial blind (students' choice) in a larger format, working with pen on mixed media paper which is smooth like Bristol board. We painted the resulting compositions with gouache, and abstract coloring was encouraged as well as consideration of background treatment. Very interesting and unique results!