Identity on Canvas: The Advanced Studio Art Self-Portrait Project

15.02.2026

In the Advanced Studio Art course at AISB, our Grade 10 students have just completed a rigorous, multi-stage journey into the art of the self-portrait, delving into technical mastery, historical research, and personal identity.

A Collaborative Foundation

The project kicked off with a cross-curricular collaboration with our Photography class. Photography and art students worked together to experiment with lighting, poses, and expressions, ensuring each reference photo captures personality.

Mastering the Fundamentals

Building on this foundation, students researched the work of Sir Stanley Spencer, analyzing his unique approach to light and tone. This research blossomed into portrait sketches where students observed and cared deeply for the nuances of the human face, focusing on:

Proportion: Mapping the beautiful geometry of the face.
Tone & Form: Using light and shadow to create three-dimensional depth.
Shape: Identifying the unique contours that make each person distinct.

Inspiration & Influence: The Culminating Project

The final stage of the project presented an opportunity to move into the realm of personal expression. Students researched an artist of their choice—analyzing their use of color, texture, mood, and composition—and synthesized that style with their own identity. From the expressive textures of Jenny Saville to the raw, visceral values of Lucian Freud, the influences were as diverse and dynamic as the students themselves.

Student Voices

Our young artists shared these insightful reflections on their creative process:

"What I really like about my painting is the eyes and the shading around them because it really pops. I also like how you can see Jenny Saville''s influence in the hair and the shirt." - Tamara

"My favorite things are the highlights in my hair... showing visible brush strokes and different values, creating a life-like look as well as an accurate representation of Freud''s art style." - Divya

"I learned more about layering, using the matte medium and burnt sienna to block in the tones before adding colors. I’m proud of how I captured the facial features of my original image." - Ruyan

The result is a gallery of work that is both technically impressive and deeply personal. We invite you to marvel at these pieces and celebrate the growth and vision of our Grade 10 artists.

Advanced Studio Art (1) Large

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