Art students finished the first semester using a grid method to guide them in a self-portrait realism project designed to help them accurately transfer and enlarge a similar image from their original references. 

“It’s just something that most art classes do,” art teacher Jeb Matulich said. “The main goal is to have the students get a portrait that reflects their lightness, but also another way that helps study value and learn how to grid during the process.”

While the process is not as quick when compared to using more advanced devices, it does add the benefit of strengthening students’ drawing and observation skills.

“I think it’s okay,” freshman Alicia Zhang said. “I’ve never really like drawing self portraits in general, but it’s nice that we’re learning it individually and with gridding.”

As an advanced Art 1 student, Zhang believes use of the grid strategy is helpful for beginners and easier to adjust, especially when it comes to exacting specific features.

Matulich believes using methods such as the gridding technique is one more step closer to refining the students’ art.

“I think it’s just fun,” Matulich said. “Especially for Art 1 students. If they do it correctly, usually in the end they get a portrait that looks like them and something they can be proud of and take home to show their parents and family.”