Look at Me : Self-Portraits in Art
Artventure Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Artists create self-portraits to show themselves as they want to be seen. This wonderfully attractive book explores the various ways they have done this by looking at a wide variety of art including works by Norman Rockwell, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Hogarth, Stanley Spencer, Rosalba Carriera, Durer, Frida Kahlo, Rousseau, Chagall, Peter Blake, Mignard, Andy Warhol, Wanda Wulz and Paolozzi. Inspired by the method used in galleries and museums in talking about art with children, readers are invited to look at the works and think about what the artists have done and why. Details in the works are pointed out and questions are posed for readers to think about. Outline information about the artists and the works (including a graphic representation of the works' relative sizes) are provided at the back of the book. A glossary and index are included. Ideal for curriculum work at KS2 and KS3, these books will inspire readers of 9 - 12 to look at art in new ways.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-11
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you notice about the different ways artists create self-portraits?
How do the colors and shapes used by the artists make you feel?
If you were to create a self-portrait, what items or symbols would you include to show who you are?
Why do you think artists choose to make pictures of themselves?
How do the self-portraits in the book compare to the selfies we take today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite self-portrait from the book and explain what they like about it.
Encourage your child to think about what makes them unique, and discuss how they might express these qualities in a self-portrait.
Relate the discussion to the concept of identity and personal expression, helping your child connect the book’s themes to their own experiences.
After discussing the book, provide art materials and suggest creating self-portraits together, discussing choices of colors and items as you go.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the history and importance of art as a form of self-expression throughout different cultures and eras.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-expression through art
Explanation: The book explores how artists use self-portraits to express their emotions, thoughts, and identities. It highlights different styles and techniques used by various artists.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their own feelings and ideas creatively through drawing or painting their self-portraits, fostering emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of diversity
Explanation: By showcasing self-portraits from a range of artists across different cultures and eras, the book teaches children about diversity in artistic expression and human experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in people's backgrounds and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Historical and cultural awareness
Explanation: The book provides context about the time periods and cultures each artist belonged to, helping children connect the art to historical and societal events.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge by exploring more about the history and cultures they encounter in the book, boosting their curiosity and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and interpretation
Explanation: Children are encouraged to interpret what each artist may have wanted to convey through their self-portrait, enhancing their ability to think critically and analyze visual information.
Real-World Application: This skill can help children in analyzing and understanding visual media they come across in everyday life, promoting thoughtful consumption of information.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The book emphasizes the innovative methods artists use to create unique self-portraits, inspiring children to think creatively in their own art projects.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to experiment with different materials and techniques in their artwork or any creative projects, fostering a sense of innovation and originality.