Looking at Portraits

What is a portrait?

A portrait is a picture of a person. School pictures are portraits.

What is a self-portrait?

A self-portrait is a painting of the painter by the painter. Artists such as van Gogh and Rembrandt painted many self-portraits.

Why do portraits sometimes follow us with their eyes?

In some portraits, the people appear to be looking directly at us, even when we move from one side of a picture to the other. This is because artists look straight ahead, into mirrors, when they paint themselves. Eyes painted looking straight ahead seem to follow the observers.

How do portraits tell about people?

Portraits tell about people by showing their facial expressions, their clothing, and objects (attributes) that represent their interests. In a picture of a sports team, for instance, the facial expressions tell how the team feels and the uniforms and equipment tell what sport they play. What objects would you hold in your portrait to tell about you?

How can you draw a realistic portrait?

Look carefully at the shapes and details of the facial features and place them in correct proportion to each other. Add details that tell about the person. If painting a self-portrait, use a mirror and observe yourself carefully. What is special about your face? What kind of person do you want to show?