Pastel & Smudge CIC is a creative education provider offering engaging, inclusive resources that support alternative and arts-based learning. Founded by artist and educator Hayley Hare, we specialise in materials that spark imagination, build confidence, and encourage exploration. Our resources are perfect for classroom, SEN, and home ed settings—designed to be flexible, accessible, and fun to use.
Pastel & Smudge CIC is a creative education provider offering engaging, inclusive resources that support alternative and arts-based learning. Founded by artist and educator Hayley Hare, we specialise in materials that spark imagination, build confidence, and encourage exploration. Our resources are perfect for classroom, SEN, and home ed settings—designed to be flexible, accessible, and fun to use.
Emotive. Bold. Thought-provoking.
Introduce your pupils to the powerful work of renowned artist Kerry James Marshall with this ready-to-teach portrait collage lesson exploring identity, symbolism, and representation in art.
In this one-off or extended session, pupils will study Marshall’s iconic style—rich black skin tones, graphic lines, and radiant backdrops—before creating their own symbolic self-portrait using paint, collage, and contrast. Designed to spark reflection and pride, this lesson blends technical skill with big ideas.
What’s included:
A vibrant, pupil-friendly PowerPoint presentation
Easy-to-read artist info sheet (great for comprehension and discussion)
Step-by-step project guide with materials list
Artwork references and example prompts
Optional writing extension with artist statement frames
Suitable for KS2 and KS3 (with extension suggestions and differentiation tips)
Skills developed:
Exploring identity and representation in visual art
Analysing and interpreting symbolic features
Practising portrait drawing, stylised features, and collage techniques
Building confidence in personal storytelling through art
Perfect for Black History Month, Arts Week, PSHE/art cross-curricular links, or as a standalone portrait unit. This creative and flexible session encourages learners to think deeply and represent themselves with power and pride—no specialist art knowledge required.
“Representation matters. Art should tell everyone’s story.” — Kerry James Marshall
Let this lesson inspire your class to look closely, think critically, and make bold, meaningful art.