Expressive Collage

• A collage is an artwork using many different media such as paint, cut-out images from photographs and magazines, pencils, markers or oil pastels. Incorporating words into the collage is a way to express directly feelings and thoughts. Start out by selecting five descriptive words that describe one's self. Turn the five words into a short poem or paragraph. Look through magazines to find some or all of the words, along with images that describe one's self. Using a large sheet of white paper, lay out words and images in an interesting design and adhere to paper with glue. Fill in blank areas with other materials such as paint or oil pastels. Make sure to use favorite colors and images of favorite things either cut out or drawn. When finished, share the artwork with others and explain the expressive collage.
  
  

Self Portrait

• Vincent van Gogh created many self-portraits throughout his life, and many of them show him without emotion. Think of an emotion that best describes one's self and imagine how others perceive you when you look this way. Does it make others interested in getting to know you better, afraid of you or open to make conversation with you? Use a mirror, and make an expression that shows emotion at yourself. Using a large sheet of paper, sketch yourself using the mirror for help to get all details of your face expressing the emotion correct. Make sure to use all aspects of the face with as much detail as possible. In the background of the self-portrait, use favorite colors and patterns to create an interesting background. Using a color that best correlates with your emotion; color in your face. Cool colors are thought of as sad, pensive and elusive. Warm colors are thought of as angry, excited and happy. Pick colors or a set of colors that best fits your expression. When finished, share the artwork with others and have them try to guess your emotion.
  
  

Photography

• Photographs have the ability to capture an emotion in just a moment. Sometimes, a picture can say a thousand words. A photograph also has the ability to capture a moment that someone might not be aware of, showing his or her true personality. Using a point-and-shoot camera or digital camera, take a series of self-portraits that show your true personality. A self-portrait doesn't just have to be a photograph of your face, it could be of your hands or feet or your body in action. Try to take photos in environments that best express your personality, such as your favorite places or doing your favorite activities. Select 10 photographs that best describe you, and them print out. Display photographs as a series in a row, and allow others to critique them and share what they learned about you.