| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Art |
| What age group | Year or Grade 11 |
| What topic | Portraiture |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To immerse Year 11 students in the world of portraiture, exploring its history, techniques, and emotional depth.
Begin the lesson by displaying a large, mysterious portrait titled The Unknown Figure. This artwork should be deliberately ambiguous—perhaps it lacks a clear identity, with the face shadowed or obscured in some way.
Group Discussion: Break the students into small groups and ask them to discuss the following prompts:
Sketch Response: After the discussion, have each student quickly sketch their interpretation of what they believe the subject might look like if fully revealed. Encourage them to capture the emotions and qualities they felt earlier.
Once sketches are complete, reconvene and invite a few students to share their sketches and reasoning. After this, segue into the lesson outline:
"Today, we are diving into the captivating world of portraiture! We’ll explore the techniques that artists use to convey identity, emotion, and story in their subjects. From traditional approaches to modern interpretations, each portrait tells a unique story—just like the ones you've created. Let's unlock the secrets behind these powerful images!"
This engaging start not only involves students actively but also sets the stage for a deeper exploration of portraiture throughout the lesson. By personalising their connection to the subject matter, students will feel more invested and motivated to learn.