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William Shakespeare / After Reading / Wider Learning Opportunities /
Drawing Shakespeare
Text potential
- Wider learning opportunities: Art and Design
Purpose
Cameras did not exist in Elizabethan England, so portraits are the only record of the appearance of historical figures from the time. In this lesson, the children will follow a step by step process by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom to draw their portrait of William Shakespeare.
Preparation
- The class will need access to the Guardian step by step guide, either displayed on the whiteboard or on individual devices (see below)
- Paper and pencils for drawing
- Watercolour paints
Process
Follow the step by step guide on the website to produce portraits of Shakespeare (see resource below).
Final reflection
Consider the concept of not being able to take photographs. Ask:
- How accurate do you think portraits were?
- Do you think that kings and queens could make portrait painters paint them in a more flattering way?
Key vocabulary
portrait, brows, forehead, ruff
Resources
The Guardian
A step by step guide on drawing William Shakespeare by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom
Contributors
Sam Keeley
Formerly a teacher and local authority advisory teacher, Sam now works with Just Imagine as an English consultant and manager of the year 6 Reading Gladiators programme.