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Make Your Own Portrait Gallery

Activity Apr. 6, 2020

Our collection is full of interesting portraits! Here are some you might like.

A small dog looks out of a kennel
Sir Edwin Landseer, A Dog Looking out of a Kennel</cite< 1837, Carnegie Museum of Art
A man wearing an ornate headdress and necklaces looks to the side
Unknown Indian, Profile Portrait of a Noble, 17th century, Carnegie Museum of Art
A woman wearing a shawl and hair covering sits with a small dog, looking at the viewer
George Romney, Portrait of Mrs. Anne Dashwood, ca. 1770, Carnegie Museum of Art
A woman wearing a long patterned skirt, shawl, and flower in her hair stands framed by two long curtains
Yasumasa Morimura, An Inner Dialogue with Frida Kahlo (Gift 2), 2001, Carnegie Museum of Art

Dig Deeper with These Questions:

Get to know the subjects in these portraits by creating imaginary conversations! Take a look at some clues in the paintings and form your own opinions about who they are and what they might say:

  • How would you describe their facial expressions and posture? Do those features tell you something about how they are feeling?
  • Take a closer look at what they are wearing. What might their clothing reveal about them as individuals–do they seem funny or serious? Casual or stuffy?
  • Every subject is surrounded by other things within the painting. What do these things tell us about them?
  • What question would you like to ask the subjects in each portrait? How do you think they would answer? What do you see in the artwork that makes you say that? What do you think your new friend in the portrait would ask you?
  • Try writing down your conversation. Can you turn it into a story?

Get Creative: Make Your Own Portrait Gallery

Create a portrait gallery from home featuring yourself and those around you.

Materials: Camera (or cell phone, tablet, computer) and objects to include in your portrait

  1. Before taking a photograph, decide what you would like to share about yourself or someone else you are photographing.
  2. Try out different facial expressions and poses—will you look straight at the camera or take a side glance? Which expresses your personality?
  3. Think about the choosing clothing and surroundings that are characteristic of you.
  4. When you are ready, take your picture!
  5. Repeat this activity with those around you creating a portrait gallery. Then compare your portraits! Add a little thought bubble for a comment your portraits might make.
  6. Share your portraits with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.