How to Draw a Van Gogh Self Portrait: Easy, Step-by-Step Art Lesson for Kids
Below you’ll find a Van Gogh project that features his 3/4 pose and use of color. It’s a great way to try out some of his ideas.
Van Gogh’s Famous Self Portrait
A Vincent van Gogh self portrait project could focus on many different aspects of his work, as it was ground breaking in so many different ways. This art lesson though, works with just two ideas that are easy for students to try out – Van Gogh’s pose in his famous portrait, and his use of color.
The pose, which is called a 3/4 pose, means you can only see 3/4 on one’s face and has been used for portraits for centuries. It’s not that hard to draw either, if you have some examples to look at. (It’s basically sliding features all a bit to one side.)
The other fun idea to try out is using color to make your face really stand out from the background. If it is filled with warm skin tones, and the clothing and background are cool, the contrast will be pretty noticeable.
Vincent van Gogh painted about 35 self-portraits in his lifetime. This one, which may have been his last, was painted in southern France in 1889. Vincent was an artist who was constantly trying to improve himself, and should be remembered as such.
Use the button below to grab this free tutorial!
Materials
Note: All of the below are Amazon affiliate links.
Pacon Drawing Paper, White, Standard Weight, 9″ x 12″, 500 Sheets
Ooly, Natural Beeswax Crayons, Set of 24. Made from non-toxic ingredients for ages 3 and up.
Fine Point, permanent black ink marks on paper, plastic, metal, and most other surfaces.
Directions
Time needed: 45 minutes
Step by step directions for a Van Gogh self Portrait
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Draw the head shape and eyes.
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Add the eye brows and nose.
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Draw the mouth and an ear.
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Add the neck and shoulders
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Example of long and curly hair
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Short and close cut hair
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Medium length straight hair
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Long straight hair
Trace with a marker and color. Make
the shirt and background similar so the
face stands out.
