Self-portraits

Personal symbols

Write a list of the things that interest you and your favourite objects. Construct a self-portrait by layering words and images of these personal symbols.

Self-portraits

Create a self-portrait that reflects your emotional state. How can you use colour, texture, symbols and other elements to give viewers an insight into how you are feeling?

Future self

Create a portrait of your future self at a specific date many years from now. Consider how you will look, what you will wear and the environment around you. Write a story about your life’s journey and what you are doing in your life at that point.

Multiple self

Create three self-portraits capturing different aspects of your personality. Think about the pose, colours, composition and objects you may include. How did you feel to be the subject of your own artwork?

Today’s world

Choose an artwork from these self-portraits and imagine what it would look like today. How would the objects, places and the sitter be different? Sketch a new portrait of your chosen artwork based on your thoughts and ideas.

Artist practice

Choose a self-portrait to research. Find out about the artist, their life and their body of work. Has the artist given any clues about themselves in their portrait? Compare the portrait to other works they have created. How does it relate to their wider practice?

Series of work

Create a written and visual record of one day in your life. Develop a series of works based on this record. Can this series be defined as a self-portrait?