Students will create expressive portrait paintings on acetate, painting in reverse—starting with the foreground details and ending with the background. This process challenges students to think critically about layering, order, and transparency while exploring identity and self-expression. This process challenges them to plan thoughtfully and experiment with layering, transparency, and color. When the painting is flipped, the final image appears smooth and luminous. Students explore identity, symbolism, and expression through portraiture while developing technical skill with acrylic paint and water color. The final piece can be displayed against white or colorful backgrounds, or even mounted on light boxes for illumination.
OBJECTIVES:
- Understand and apply the reverse painting process on acetate.
- Plan a portrait composition considering layering and sequencing.
- Explore color theory, opacity, and transparency in painting.
- Express an idea, theme, or emotion through portraiture.
- Reflect on their process and discuss how technique affects meaning.
VOCABULARY:
- Reverse Painting: Painting from the front details to the background, reversed on a transparent surface.
- Transparency / Opacity
- Layering
- Composition
- Symbolism
- Identity / Expression
MATERIALS:
- Clear acetate sheets (9x12” or larger)
- Acrylic paints (opaque and transparent varieties)
- Paintbrushes (small detail and medium flat)
- Mixing palette and water cups
- Reference photos or mirrors for self-portraits
- Masking tape
- Sketchbook
- Watercolor paper
- Optional: paint markers, collage papers, Mod Podge, Sharpies, or gel pens
WHAT TO DO:
Introduction & Planning
- Introduce the concept of reverse painting on acetate. Show examples of reverse glass painting and modern acetate works.
- Discuss planning: since the final image is viewed through the opposite side, details must be painted first.
- View artist examples:
- Jim Dine – expressive portrait layering
- Kehinde Wiley – contemporary portraiture with symbolism
- Gerhard Richter – transparency and abstraction
- Students brainstorm concepts: self-identity, emotion, duality, or transformation.
- Complete thumbnail sketches exploring composition and symbolism.
- Take a selfie and print out or use you
- Students select a reference photo or self-portrait.
- Place drawing paper under acetate and tape both to the table.
- Lightly trace facial outlines and major shapes onto the acetate (or use Sharpie for permanent linework).
- Plan painting order:
- Fine details (eyes, highlights, small features)
- Midtones and shadows
- Clothing or background elements
- Final large color fields and background
- Begin painting details first using small brushes. Allow each layer to dry before adding the next to avoid smudging.
- Apply paint opaquely where solid color is desired and translucently for layered effects.
- Encourage experimentation with background color or collage elements.
- Periodically flip acetate to check how the portrait reads from the front.
- Conduct midpoint peer critiques for reflection and feedback.
- When paintings are complete and dry, flip them to reveal the final image.
- Mount acetate on colored or white paper backing.
- Display on classroom windows or use LED light panels for glowing effect.
- Conduct a group critique:
- What challenges did you face painting in reverse?
- How did layering affect your final image?
- What emotion or message does your portrait communicate?
