Kindergarten Self Portraits

Last Friday I presented my third art docent lesson to Miss Gregg's kindergarten class. My artist was Vincent Van Gogh, and this self portrait was the piece our project was based on.

I asked the kids to draw their own self portraits using oil pastels on white paper. I instructed them to make a U shape as the outline of their faces, draw some hair, and then add facial features to indicate what they were feeling that day. They also had to draw and color their clothing, (but just their shoulders, like Van Gogh's picture). After they finished drawing and coloring their self-portraits, I asked them to cover the rest of the paper using little dabs of paint over the entire background; they weren't supposed to leave any white showing. Here are the finished products.

The kids always say such funny things, and here are some of my favorite quotes during this particular lesson: "I drew a self-portrait of my mom". "I drew a sad face because I'm sad to be in class." "Mrs. Boyd, you look very pretty today." (The kids are always so flattering...it's a real boost to the ego. Nevermind that they're only 5 and 6!)

Here is Cole's self portrait. He drew a monster-y looking face because he was feeling monster-y that day. The purple eyes and mouth aren't visible underneath the brown color, but I assure you, it looked very monster-y.

I have to give a public shout-out to one of my favorite and most helpful Facebook friends, Lisa for helping me kick start my art docent career. If it wasn't for her guidance, I'd still be lost. Thank you, Lisa!

Volunteering in Cole's class is HANDS-DOWN my favorite activity I get to participate in right now. I love being in a his class once a week, and then giving the kids an art lesson once a month. They truly amaze me when I give them a project that I think might possibly be a bit confusing or complicated, because most of them grasp what I'm asking of them and create very cute little pieces of art. They're so proud when they're done. And best of all, they LOVE their art teacher; I get lots of compliments about my lessons...and my looks! Whoo hoo!