IMYC Grade 8: Portraits

Caricature Portrait: Seeing Identity Through Exaggeration

 

Grade: 8
Unit Theme: Reflection
Medium: Pen, marker, optional colour
Timeframe: 1 week

Assignment Overview

In this project, students explore portraiture through caricature, learning how artists use exaggeration, observation, and humour to communicate identity. By carefully studying facial features and personality traits, students will design and create a caricature portrait of a teacher within the school community.

The final artwork will be thoughtfully presented and gifted to the subject of the portrait, reinforcing ideas of appreciation, community, and reflection.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this assignment, students will be able to:

  • Observe and identify distinctive facial features and personal traits
  • Understand how exaggeration can be used intentionally in visual communication
  • Plan and develop an original caricature through sketching and refinement
  • Apply line, proportion, and stylisation to create a finished portrait
  • Reflect on how visual features contribute to identity and recognition

Task Instructions

Step 1: Research & Planning

  • Choose one reference photograph of a teacher provided in class.
  • Print the image and paste it into your sketchbook.
  • As a class, discuss the subject’s defining features (for example: glasses, hairstyle, expressions, mannerisms, or phrases they’re known for).
  • Create preliminary sketches in your sketchbook, experimenting with exaggeration before deciding on your final design.

Step 2: Composition

  • Prepare your final paper by creating a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Transfer your chosen sketch design onto the final surface, refining proportions and placement.

Step 3: Final Artwork

  • Outline the portrait using pen and/or marker to create a clean, finished look.
  • Colour may be added thoughtfully to enhance expression and personality.
  • Mount (mat) the final artwork neatly.

Key Concepts

  • Every human face has features that are unique to the individual
  • Facial features help us form identity and build connections with others
  • Caricature is a form of portraiture that exaggerates distinctive features for expressive or humorous effect

Step 4: Presentation

  • The completed and matted caricature will be gifted to the teacher depicted in the artwork.

Back to blog