Small Portrait Studies
Exhibition: Portraits In Light
Artist: Petra Malla Miller
Overview
Portrait photography attempts to capture the personality of the subject and can be approached in many different ways. In Miller’s portraits, she appears to strip the subject of their clothing and any other distractions to create a raw and vulnerable view of the subject. It allows us as the viewer to connect with the subject in a powerful way, void of any distractions. Another integral aspect of Miller’s portraits is that she has an existing relationship with each of her subjects and the portraits sessions are an extension of this connection.
In this project, participants will engage in their own version of portrait sessions to gain an understanding of the connection between artist and subject and further develop their drawing skills through observation.
Objectives
Learn how to engage with a subject and tell their story through visual interpretation
Develop representational drawing abilities through observation and expand through repetition
Apply fundamental principals of portraiture such as proportions
Materials
Paper 8.5 x 11
Drawing materials of your choice; pencil, pencil crayons, sketch pens etc.
Stapler
Scissors
Instructions:
Step One
To create your mini sketch book you will be dividing a single piece of paper in to four pieces; Fold paper in half, open and cut on fold line. Layer the two pieces of paper on top of each other and fold in half, open and cut on fold line. Layer the four pieces of paper on top of each other; fold horizontally, open and staple along fold line to create your mini book.
Step Two
Your mini book is a small convenient size meant to travel with you throughout the week, allowing for spontaneous drawing sessions. Using your preferred drawing material, draw in the classroom, at home, on the bus etc.
Choose your subjects out of personal interest. You may choose to only draw people that you know well, or perhaps a stranger. Observe your subject carefully and based on this observation, draw them on one page in your book.
Step Three
Your mini book has fourteen pages, giving you fourteen portrait session opportunities. Once the book is complete, look through your book and reflect on your sessions. Did you capture the personality of each subject that you were hoping to? Have participants exchange and interpret each other’s books. Discuss and make observations of different portraits, what do we know about these individuals through the eyes of the artist. What does their expression, gesture, and other included details say about them.
