Final Self-Portrait

Hi everyone! My name is Isabella, and I'm so excited to show you a really cool painting today! It's a self-portrait, which means it's a picture an artist made of themselves. This one is special because it's the very last self-portrait the artist, Helene Schjerfbeck, ever made. Isn't that amazing? nn

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This painting is a little bit small, like a postcard! But don't let that fool you. It's packed with feeling. It's mostly black, white, and gray – just like a charcoal drawing. Can you see the different shades of gray? Some are light and some are dark. What do you think the artist used to make those shades? (Encourage guesses: charcoal, pencils, etc.) nn

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Look closely at the woman's face. See her eyes? They seem a little bit sad, don't they? And her mouth is slightly turned down. What do you think she might be feeling? (Encourage discussion about emotions). The artist didn't draw every tiny detail. She used quick strokes of charcoal to show us her face. It's like a sketch, but a very expressive one! nn

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The background is almost completely empty. Why do you think the artist left the background blank? (Guide children to understand that it focuses attention on the face and emotions). This painting isn't just a picture; it's a window into the artist's heart and soul. It shows us how she felt at the end of her life. It's a powerful way to express herself, even without lots of colors or details. nn

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So, what do you think about this painting? Did you like it? What did you notice most? Remember, art is all about sharing feelings and ideas. This painting is a great example of how an artist can share their feelings with us, even years later! Now, let's go look at some other amazing artworks! nn

(Transition to the next artwork or activity)