Portrait Drawing Study

Curriculum Area

Subject: Art and Design
Year Group: Year 5
Curriculum Reference: National Curriculum for Art & Design (England) – KS2

• Pupils should be taught to improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing.
• Pupils should learn about great artists, including Hans Holbein.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:
✅ Understand what makes Holbein’s portraits distinctive.
✅ Develop observational drawing skills by recreating facial proportions.
✅ Experiment with mark-making techniques to add realism to their portraits.

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Resources Needed

• A3 drawing paper
• Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B)
• Erasers
• Rulers
• Printed reference images of Holbein’s portraits (e.g. "The Ambassadors", "Portrait of Henry VIII")
• Mirrors (for self-portraits)
• Visual step-by-step guides on face proportions

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Lesson Breakdown (60 Minutes)

0-10 min: Introduction - Who Was Holbein?

🖼 Wow Factor: Teacher unveils a print of "The Ambassadors" and asks:

• "What do you notice first?"
• "What emotions do the characters express?"
• "How do the details make the people look real?"

📖 Key Points on Holbein:

• German artist, court painter to Henry VIII
• Known for highly detailed and realistic portraits
• Often included symbolic objects in his artwork

🎭 Mini-Activity: Pupils mimic facial expressions like those in Holbein’s portraits using a mirror.

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10-25 min: Understanding Facial Proportions (Guided Practice)

📏 Demonstration: Teacher draws basic face guidelines on the board (oval shape, centre lines for eyes, nose, mouth).

• Eyes are halfway down the head
• Nose sits halfway between eyes and chin
• Mouth is halfway between nose and chin

✏ Pupils Practise:

• Lightly sketch guidelines on A3 paper
• Place features correctly using mirrors for reference
• Shade lightly to prepare for details

👀 Pair Work: Pupils peer-check proportions using rulers and discuss adjustments.

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25-45 min: Applying Holbein’s Style

🎨 Focus on Detail & Realism

• Teacher models mark-making techniques (hatching, cross-hatching) for texture & depth.
• Pupils select one section (eyes, nose, mouth) to develop with shading & detail.
• Compare work to Holbein’s portrait – How does he make faces look “alive”?

🙌 Challenge for Advanced Learners: Add a symbolic object to represent themselves, inspired by Holbein’s work.

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45-55 min: Reflection & Discussion

📢 Gallery Walk: Pupils place their sketches on desks and walk around to observe different approaches.

🎤 Discussion Questions:

• "What techniques worked well?"
• "Where could we add more detail?"
• "How does Holbein’s style compare to modern portraits?"

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55-60 min: Plenary - The Power of Portraits

🔍 Quick Quiz (Thumbs Up/Down): Teacher makes statements about facial proportions and Holbein's work, pupils respond with 👍 / 👎.

🎨 Exit Task: Each pupil writes a one-line description of what their portrait communicates about them.

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Assessment Opportunities

☑ Teacher observations during skill-building exercises
☑ Peer feedback on proportions & shading techniques
☑ Exit task description—does it connect expression with Holbein’s techniques?

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Homework / Extension Task

📝 Create a Mini-Holbein Sketch – Draw a familiar person (family, teacher, friend) in Holbein’s detailed style, focusing on accuracy in proportions and shading.

🖼 Follow-Up Idea for Next Lesson: Introduce colour layering by examining Holbein’s use of rich tones in Tudor portraits!

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Teacher’s Reflection (Post-Lesson Notes)

✅ What went well? Which techniques did pupils grasp quickly?
✅ What could be improved? Were there common misconceptions?
✅ Who exceeded expectations & who may need additional support in future lessons?

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This engaging and high-impact session brings historical portraiture to life while embedding key drawing skills—perfect for a strong start to this topic! 🚀