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Writer's pictureAshley Jager

Extreme Portraits


NBHS students in the 2D Design Mixed Media class have been painting to the extremes in their self-portraits!


Each student took a selfie and created a high contrast image with a filtered cut-out technique in Photoshop to create multiple levels of value.


They printed their photos and traced over areas of value created in Photoshop using sharpie markers to define their facial expressions. These photos were then flipped over and measured into a 1 x 1 inch grid. In preparation for the painting process, students shaded their photos with colored pencils to plan their color schemes.



These photos became the primary source for their final artworks when drawing it double the size on a 2 x 2 inch grid for accurate proportions.

Once their drawings were complete, they erased the gridlines and reviewed color theory vocabulary by painting rough drafts. They had to paint at least 5 or more values of each color in a limited palette of no more than two original colors.




Students reflected on their artworks and wrote artist statements to describe the mood they were creating with their color schemes.

Unlimited Power by 10th Grade Student

"I tried to create a projection of strength in my artwork. I was inspired by the Incredible Hulk and used green tones to highlight my defined musculature. My favorite part of this piece is my face because it was the hardest part for me to complete. I think the result meshes well with the rest of the portrait."



Playing with Fire by 12th Grade Student

"I wanted to paint a picture of me playing guitar so I chose colors that contrasted well with each other. My favorite part of this artwork are the colors and how I managed to make them look cohesive throughout."



Fish Watching a Murder Scene by 10th Grade Student

"In this painting, I attempted to make a dark toned mood throughout the painting with shades of red. My favorite part is the red splatter marks along my portrait. I believe this helps enhance the mood of my painting and is fitting for Halloween."


Ocean Man by 9th Grade Student

"I was going for a mood of soft and tired. The colors of this artwork are my favorite part."


Pintura Unica (Unique Painting) by 10th Grade Student

"Hice algo que nunca antes había hecho."

(I did something that I have never done before.)


The 2D Design class paintings are currently on display in the New Buffalo High School showcase. We hope these portraits bring fear and delight to your eyes on this Hallows' Eve!





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