Talking about portraits
• Has anyone ever had his or her portrait made by an artist? What did the artist use to make your portrait?

• If you have had your portrait drawn or painted, how long did you have to sit for your portrait to be made? If you have never had your portrait drawn or painted, how long do you think it would take?

• Has anyone ever had his or her photograph taken? Would you consider that a portrait? How long does that take?

• Are you always satisfied with the results of your portrait? Explain.

• What things would a person consider when choosing an artist to create his or her portrait?

• What do you think about when you know that you are going to have your portrait made?
• How would you dress?
• What might you bring with you?
• What will the setting be for your portrait?
• Will you be sitting or standing?
• Will you be alone, or will someone be in it with you?

Looking at portraits
• What can we discover about a person just by looking at his or her portrait?

• What do you think the person in this portrait wanted to communicate about himself or herself?

• How does the relationship between artist and sitter change the outcome of the portrait?

• What kind of life do you think this person leads? Does he or she work? If so, as what? Are there any props that give clues about the sitter's profession or lifestyle?

• Is this a person you would like to meet? Why, or why not?

• If the person in this portrait could speak to you, what do you think he or she would say?

For the Classroom

Curriculum Home
Lesson Plans
Image Bank
General Discussion Questions