← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

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GRADES 3–5 · Whole Portraits · Realistic Observation

Draw Yourself: Look Closely

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Create an observed study beside a revised study, focusing on draw yourself. Use the subject steps as practice before making this final pair or set.

Shared feature reference for Whole Portraits
Shared feature reference. It may not show this task’s exact pose, accessory, or style. Use the teacher’s matching reference too.

Draw it step by step

Observation and design choices can both tell a viewer something about you. Work from a mirror or one teacher-approved photograph. Try to show what you actually see, not a memorized symbol.

  1. Study the reference for 30 seconds. Name two visible shapes and compare their widths or heights before drawing.
  2. Study your face in a mirror and note three features you want to include.
  3. Plan the head and shoulders before adding those features.
  4. Compare the drawing with your reflection and adjust one placement.
  5. Compare your study with the reference. Revise one contour or placement and add only the shadows you can actually see.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Adding small details before the main shapes and placement are clear.

Repair: Return to the first subject step: Study your face in a mirror and note three features you want to include. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Which three choices make this portrait yours? Point to one measured or observed relationship that became more accurate.

Materials: pencil, eraser, paper, and a mirror or teacher-approved reference. Optional black drawing pen; no painting required.

Draw Yourself: Look Closely · Practice page

Name ____________________ Make light trials first. Divide a box further if your task needs extra versions.

1 · Observe and plan
2 · First drawing
3 · Change one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Which three choices make this portrait yours? Point to one measured or observed relationship that became more accurate.

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________