A 3D Portrait-Sculpture Lesson with a Free Printable Template

Portraits can be a great way to encourage self expression in kids.  This 3D portrait lesson is no exception.  Use the free portrait template to make the logistics easy and get creative by adding any medium you choose! 

3D portrait template….

Print out the template below to use as a guide.  You can trace these shapes onto any type of cardboard but we chose leftover cereal.  Because I’m a bit of a supply hoarder we always have a supply of these and the cardboard is the perfect weight to cut easily and still stand up nicely.  

You could assemble your 3D portrait immediately but it will be much easier if you paint it first.  Trace the silhouette but leave the line down the middle for after your 3D portrait has been completely decorated. 

Once your sculpture is assembled there is no flat surface to paint or draw on.  Depending on the method you choose to add color this may or may not make a difference to you.

Adding color to your three dimensional portrait…

This portrait template is just the beginning.  What really makes these 3D portraits unique is what you add to them.  Think of how students can use color, words, texture, pattern, and images to tell a story.  How can your students use these portraits as a form of self expression.  Are they a self portrait that’s realistic or a more abstract exploration?  

Paint, stamp, letter, or collage whatever your artist heart desires.  Then line templates back up and cut one profile from the top and the other from the bottom.  This cut down the middle of the shape is what will allow the two shapes to fit together.

Assembling your 3D portrait…..

Slide the two tabs of the portrait template together.   We used a couple of tiny pieces of clear packing tape to make sure pieces were secure.  Bottom flaps fold at a ninety degree angle.  Where the two pieces of the bottom flaps overlap use another piece or two of packing tape to ensure the flaps stay and provide a secure base for the sculpture. 

Do you want to see how this three dimensional portrait comes together?

Follow along with the video above for a super quick demo of exactly how this three dimensional portrait fits together!

Want the 3D portrait template….

Wanna do this project the easy way and know your portrait is going to fit together and stand up?!? 

Use the subscribe form below to sign up for my weekly newsletter. Then head to your email and confirm that you DO want to be a subscriber. Upon confirming you’ll immediately receive the PDF.

Are you already a subscriber….

If you are already a subscriber- thank you! I’m so grateful you’re here!You can still go through this same process to grab this three dimensional portrait base. It’s quick and easy! You won’t be sent double the emails- I promise.

As a subscriber you’ll also receive a subscriber only password that gives you access to my Free Resource Library.  You can find this free template there under the heading “Art Tutorials and Printable Prompts” as well as dozens of other art and education printables- all FREE!

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