Exploring the Art of Portraiture at Parsons
Portraits have long been a captivating art form, telling stories and capturing the essence of individuals for thousands of years. From ancient Egypt to the modern world, portraiture has evolved, allowing artists to express their creativity while revealing the inner and outer aspects of their subjects. At Parsons, a project developed by Royal Talens Art Education Director Jeff Olson brought this age-old tradition into the classroom, showcasing the power of the Amsterdam Standard Series 6x120ml Portrait Set.
Portraiture: More Than Just a Likeness
Portraiture, as an art form, transcends mere replication of a person's appearance. It is a medium through which artists convey many ideas and emotions. A portrait can reveal not only what a person looks like but also how they wish to be seen or the artist's perspective on their subject. It offers a glimpse into the sitter's life and identity through posture, body language, and facial expression, providing insight into mood and personality.
The Project at Parsons: A Creative Journey
In a recent endeavor at Parsons, students embarked on a creative journey exploring the art of portraiture with the Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set. Guided by Associate Professor and Royal Talens Art Ambassador Wennie Huang, first-year students were introduced to the Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set – a versatile tool designed to bring portraits to life.
The Palette: Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set
The Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set is a carefully curated collection of six 120ml tubes featuring vibrant colors ideal for capturing the subtleties of skin tones, eyes, and other facial features. Crafted in the Netherlands with a 100% acrylic resin binder, these paints create durable, flexible, and glossy paint films. They can be used straight from the tube or thinned with water or acrylic mediums.
The Creative Process: Unveiling Inner and Outer Selves
The project encouraged students to create self-portraits – a powerful means of expressing one's identity and inner self. Students began by taking selfies or using mirrors to capture their likeness. The project aimed to guide them through translating their exterior appearance into a visual representation reflecting their inner selves.
The Amsterdam portrait Palette in Action
Armed with the Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set, students embarked on their creative journey. They followed a structured approach that allowed them to explore the essential elements of painting while expressing both their external and internal selves.
Starting with the shape of their heads filled in with a dark-valued color, students progressively added details such as noses, mouths, and chins. The eyes, a focal point of any portrait, were carefully drawn, capturing the essence of their subjects' gazes. The background, chosen to complement the portrait, added depth and context to their creations.
The Results: A Diverse Array of Expressions
The outcomes of the project were nothing short of remarkable. The students' self-portraits, each inspired by their unique perspectives and backgrounds, were a testament to the versatility of the Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set. From somber and serious to joyful and expressive, the facial expressions and color palettes varied widely, revealing the depth of creativity nurtured in this project.
The project at Parsons using the Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set was not just an artistic endeavor; it was a creative gift to students during a potentially stressful semester. It allowed them to explore the ancient art of portraiture, express their inner selves, and develop a deeper appreciation for the power of color, composition, and style in conveying emotion and identity.
In the end, the Amsterdam Standard Portrait Set served as an essential tool in this educational and artistic endeavor. Through vibrant colors, flexible mediums, and the creative spirit of the students, it breathed life into their self-portraits, providing a platform for self-expression, exploration, and self-discovery.
For educators and artists interested in trying this project, please download the detailed project sheet by clicking the button below.
STUDENT WORK
ADA CARTER
ana grynberg
Celina Gao
Colleen Cardoza
