People are always fascinated by the visual representations of others. These can be realistic, symbolic or stylised and produced using various 2D and 3D media. It is this breadth of approach that makes portraiture such a fruitful area of study within the art curriculum.

Portraiture has always been more than simply a representation of physical likeness. It seeks to convey emotion, character and meaning. It is this which makes it an exciting theme within Higher Still expressive activity.

Portraiture is the latest Higher Still support material produced by the recreation and education departments of Edinburgh City Council. It follows the same format as their excellent Still Life pack with a selection of eight images and related notes and activities. The images are by Scottish artists and cover a variety of media. These include an oil painting by Francis Cadell, pastel work by Joan Eardley, sculpture by Kenny Hunter and photography by Owen Logan. They are reproduced in colour and to a high standard. It would, however, be more effective to show three-dimensional work from a number of viewpoints.

As well as demonstrating various approaches to portraiture, the theme is also placed within a historical context. This adds to the value of the pack as a teaching resource.

Each example is accompanied by notes on the artist and the artwork, which encourages a more informed response from students. A list of related artists and movements allow more able and motivated students to acquire further knowledge and a list of Scottish galleries showing actual artwork by the artist is provided. A word bank and set of activities for Higher, Intermediate 2 and Intermediate 1 students is also linked to each image and text.

This pack is self-contained but gives enough information to make informed decisions on areas for further study. In terms of gaining an understanding of portraiture relevant to the requirements of Higher Still it is ideal.

Vincent Donnelly

Vincent Donnelly is principal teacher of art and design at Dumfries Academy