Exploring Foreshortening Through Portraiture
Foreshortening can be one of the trickiest concepts for young artists to grasp — how do we convincingly represent objects or figures that recede in space toward the viewer? This painting created after a poolside holiday which I thought would make an excellent demonstration for a foreshortening lesson, is a fantastic example of how this technique can be approached creatively and expressively.
The exaggerated proportions of the two faces, especially the open mouth and glasses, highlight the way objects appear larger when they’re closer to the viewer and smaller as they recede. Notice how the use of strong lines and angles, particularly in the glasses and jawline, helps reinforce this effect. I also used layered color and texture to build depth, using oil paint on MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for a smooth but expressive surface.
This work sparked a great classroom discussion about:
- How foreshortening can distort proportions
- The use of reference photos to understand perspective
- Why artists might embrace distortion to enhance expression
I encourage you to try a similar exercise with your students — using selfies taken from unusual angles can be a fun and engaging way to practice foreshortening. Not only does it improve observational skills, but it also gives students a way to explore their own identity and presence through art.
Stay tuned for more student highlights and project ideas!
