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Writer's pictureEmily Gould

Britto Inspired Self Portraits

Updated: Feb 15, 2021

Fourth grade students have been working on their Romero Britto style self-portraits! Students used markers to capture the brightness and intensity of the colors in Britto's artworks.


Britto is a modern day pop culture icon and the youngest and most successful POP Artist of his generation! His cubism style of art brings together bright colors and playful themes.


This is the process we used to create exciting self portraits in the style of Romero Britto.


Using a computer, digital camera images of individual students were printed in grayscale. Students then used graphite paper to transfer the images onto card stock. Using this process, students create a drawing of themselves that captures a true likeness. Once the image is transferred, a pencil is used to add patterns and designs to each section of the portrait. When the students are happy with their compositions a black permanent marker is used to outline the pencil lines. Finally, markers are used to add bold, exciting colors and patterns that pop!




Self Portraits by 4th grade students



This series of pictures shows the outlining process and the final coloring process. It would be ideal to have a large selection of thick and thin markers to help make this project a success.


Thank you Cassie Stephens, Your Romero Britto Self Portrait Art Lesson was the inspiration for this art lesson. The only thing I did differently from Cassie's lesson was to use graphite paper to transfer student images... See Cassie's art lesson HERE.


Supply List

8.5x11 card stock paper

8.5x11 graphite paper find it HERE

8.5x11 grayscale photo print of student

pencil for tracing image and drawing details and designs

black permanent marker to outline pencil drawing

Magic Markers an assortment to add exciting colors


Using graphite paper is a confidence builder for students, and it's magical for them to see their image transfer. Tracing is important in learning how to draw, It's all about practice. Using graphite paper helps to capture a true likeness in students' self portraits. Later in the school year, I teach a self portrait drawing lesson based on proportions and drawing skills. I like my students to try new materials like graphite paper, and it's important for students to feel success.



After students transfer their images, the transfers will look something like the picture on the left. The next step is to take a pencil and divide up the face and background into sections. Draw patterns in some of the sections. Below is a worksheet of Romero Britto inspired lines and shapes that will help students to recognize the lines and patterns found in Britto's artworks.






When you are happy with your pencil drawing, use a black permanent marker to go over your pencil lines. I use fine point, black, Sharpie markers for the outlining. The final step is to use markers to add color. I like markers because the colors are bright and exciting, similar to Britto's artwork. It is ideal to have a large selection of thick and thin markers to help make this project a success.







About Romero Britto



This is Romero Britto's self portrait.

See more of Britto's art HERE.

Britto is a modern day pop culture icon and the youngest and most successful POP Artist of

his generation. His cubism style of art brings together bright colors and playful themes.



Romero Britto is famous for painting portraits. Here are a few of his portraits. Notice how he divides up the faces and adds lines and patterns to some of the sections. Notice how bright and colorful his artwork is.


Romero Britto grew up in Recife, Brazil with eight brothers and sisters. Art was his passion. He traveled to Europe in 1983 to study the masters, and after exhibiting in a few private shows, he traveled to the United States where POP ART was flourishing.

Britto moved to Miami and opened his studio up to the public. Britto’s big break came when

Absolute Vodka selected Britto’s artwork for their vodka campaign.

Every year Britto travels around the world having art exhibits. Check his website for upcoming exhibits. He may be having an exhibit near you!


Did you know…


Britto is often compared to other Pop Art painters like Warhol, Lichtenstein, and

Haring?


Britto’s characteristic look is his balanced patterns and strong black lines.


Britto believes in giving back to his community and lends his support to many non-profit

organizations.



 




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