5th Grade - Aminah Robinson Self - Portraits

Formally known as, Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Aminah Robinson has become one of my top 10 favorite artists I teach.  Her artwork is no narrative, students love to see it, hear the story and are ready to create after the incredible visual stimulation of a slideshow of her work.

Here are a few fun facts about Aminah Robinson along with some of my favorite original pieces of hers:

• Aminah lived her entire life in Columbus, Ohio
• Aminah decided one day, she was sick and tired of doing her hair, so she cut it all off.  She lived many years bald by choice.
• The elder women in her family had a huge impact on her art. They shared many stories of how their ancestors came from Africa as slaves, and then the road to freedom.  Aminah’s art is filled with these stories and stories of others she found in hundreds of hours of research in the library, one of her favorite places.
• Aminah’s dad also impacted her art, he taught her to see with deep concentration.  She would look at something until she could turn away and sketch it from memory in her sketchbook. He taught her how to sculpt out of “Hogmawg” – a made up clay, made from mud, sticks, glue and pigment.
• Aminah is most known for her “RagGonNon’s” – A work of art that took years to create and research. They reference the past, present and future.

After becoming completely motivated, my students jumped in with two feet to create these super fun Mixed Media Self - Portraits!  First, we drew the portraits with pencil on a 12x16 piece of watercolor paper. 

Next step, we outlined with fine tip Sharpie markers and used watercolors to paint them.  I encouraged realistic coloring or abstract. Up to them!

Next, we glued them to a piece of 20x16 foam core. Basically, what I had a on hand. Then, we used oil pastels, marker, and fabric pieces to embellish the board. Students were given the challenge to add something that was important to them. Many used words like Dance, Art, Music, Create, a specific sport... anything they are into.

5th Grade Picasso Selfies

These Picasso Selfies turned out GREAT! Every single one is framable! That is saying a lot since these classes are 32 students each! 128 fifth graders! We took a look at various Picasso Portraits, (Picasso Portrait Prezi).  This is another round of the bogus paper, black tempera paint and chalk pastels.  The students painted water with paintbrushes on area they were ready to chalk, and the chalks just melt on!  Since sharing this lesson on Facebook and Instagram, I have had several people make other great suggestions.  The queen of this technique herself, Phyllis Levine Brown, aka There's a Dragon in my Art Room, (http://plbrown.blogspot.com/) gave more great advice.  Paint the black with acrylic, then soak the paper in water, the paint will not run! Great idea... I am a step behind.  I will be trying it next year.  Others just simply dip the pastel in the water, then color.  Pick your technique! Do what works best for you! Have fun!