This lesson plan teaches 8th grade students about value in self-portraits through a multi-day painting project. Students will identify and demonstrate value by completing a value shading worksheet and painting a self-portrait using different values of paint. They will mix colors to create values and properly use and care for materials. Each class will include instruction, work time, clean up, and peer critique. The goal is for students to understand value and render a realistic self-portrait using at least four values.

1. Title of Lesson Painting Value in Self-Portraits
Grade Level 8th grade
Measurable Objectives Students will be able to identify, define, and demonstrate value by completing an artwork.
Students will have a foundational understanding of how to use and care for painting
materials and supplies as demonstrated by accurate care and clean up in class.
VA8MC1: A Engages in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas.
VA8MC2: D Identifies and works to solve problems through authentic engagement.
VA8MC4: B Participates in aesthetic dialogue about his/her artwork and the artwork of
others.
VA8AR1: B,C,D,E Crits personal artworks and the artwork of others using both visual and
verbal approaches.
VA8AR2: B,F, G Reflects and expands the use of visual language throughout the artistic
process.
VA8PR1: A,D, E Engages in art making with care and craftsmanship.
VA8PR3: B,C Produces an array of 2D and 3D artistic processes and techniques using a variety
of skill sin a drawing to convey meaning and idea.
VA8PR5: A, B Develops and maintains a portfolio of artworks.
Resources & Materials Tempera paint
Brushes
Water cups
Printable images of each student’s face
Value shading worksheet
Aluminum foil for mixing paint
Paper towels
Markers
pencils
Motivation An attention grabbing exemplar –different ones- will be on the board for each day of the
project.
Sequencing 1. Introduce value to students
2. Define value, interact with standards matrix
3. Present Value Shading Worksheet, demo how to complete
4. Students complete worksheet
5. Give each student a copy of his/her printed face
6. Demo how to outline different areas of value with markers
7. Demo how to mix white and black with one color to create various values
8. Hand out paint, brushes, watercups, paper towels and foil
9. Circulate and aid as students work
10. Discuss clean up procedures and storage procedures
11. Clean up
12. At the beginning of each new work session, students peer critique using “Sandwich
method” at their tables.
13. Repeat steps 8-12 for as many classes as needed (typically, 4) to complete
Vocabulary
Value - the lightness to darkness of contrasting colors and/or greys in a composition
Tint – when white is added to a color
Shade – when black is added to a color
Assessment
1. Completed work (value sheet AND painting), 20pts
2. Participated in crit, 10pts
3. At least four different values present, 20pts
4. Made an authentic attempt to render realistically, 30pts
5. Properly cared for materials (including clean up), 20pts