Project Description
This class teaches how to draw a variety of facial and body expressions and apply them to animal portraits. Students will develop their own imaginative characters and paint them using photo references of real animals and people. We will explore what attributes contribute to a character, including facial hair, accessories, expressions, body posture, and clothing.
Final Product
Students will have a variety of sketches and three finished paintings of their characters.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify emotional expression in their animal portraits.
- Students will learn how to use watercolor paint and marker or ink pens in a mixed media painting.
- Students will learn how to use photo references to help develop an original work of art.
Suggested Grades
K-12th grade
Pricing Breakdown
- 4 visits at 45 minutes each
- Prep hours: 2 hours per classroom
- Materials: $2.50 per student
- Travel from Oakridge
Testimonials
“Barbara was amazing while working with the students, she was very patient and kind. She was very knowledgeable and you could tell that she enjoys what she does. The students all looked forward to seeing her every Wednesday for art class.”
—teacher at Willamette Leadership Academy talking about Barbara Council.
Meet the Artist
Why I teach art:
“I want to create an avenue for students to explore ideas with freedom while helping guide them toward success. Uninhibited imagination can surprise us with results not yet discovered. I never think there is one way to achieve something. Art is a practice of creative problem solving and fun—what better way to grow and learn?”
—Barbara Counsil
