Creating Self Portraits Using Mirror Reflections and Proportions
Objective
Students will create detailed self-portraits by observing facial proportions and features in mirrors to develop observational drawing skills.
Materials
- Small handheld mirrors
- Drawing paper
- Pencils
- Colored pencils or crayons
- Erasers
Hook
Each student receives a small mirror and spends two minutes making different facial expressions while observing how their features change. They share one surprising thing they noticed about their own face with a partner.
Main Activity
Students use mirrors to carefully observe their facial features and proportions, noting where their eyes sit in relation to the top and bottom of their head, and how wide their nose and mouth are compared to their eyes. They begin by lightly sketching basic head shapes and guidelines, then add details like eye shape, eyebrow thickness, nose width, and lip curves while continuously checking their reflection. Students add personal details like freckles, dimples, or unique hair textures that make their portrait distinctly theirs. They finish by adding color to hair, eyes, and skin tone, continuing to reference their mirrors for accuracy.
Discussion Questions
- What was the most challenging part of your face to draw accurately?
- How did using a mirror change the way you approached drawing compared to drawing from memory?
- What unique features make your self-portrait different from your classmates' portraits?
- How do artists use observation skills in their work beyond just drawing faces?
Exit Ticket
Write one thing you learned about drawing faces today and one technique you want to practice more.
Differentiation
Support: Provide pre-drawn head outlines with proportion guidelines marked, and offer step-by-step visual instruction cards showing how to break down facial features into simple shapes.
Extension: Challenge students to create a second self-portrait showing themselves with a strong emotion, adjusting facial features to show feelings while maintaining accurate proportions and adding background elements that reflect their personality.
