Modigliani style portraits

Modigliani created pictures well-known for his use of long necks and simplified features. Rather than portraying his subjects realistically he chose a more decorative approach, using a limited palette and shading which gave his work a flatter, more abstract appearance.

Many portraits painters at the time would paint their models with serious and tranquil expressions, while Modigliani's appear a bit on the gloomy side.   
Using simple shapes to create the face: oval faces, long narrow necks, and almond-shaped eyes.

We have created many self-portraits over the years, so I wanted to do something a little different.

After looking at the work of Modigliani: one of my personal favourites, the kids created these portraits.  Empathizing that we were not creating self-portraits, I wanted to relieve the pressure to make their piece look realistic, which I found meant the kids were far looser and freer in their approach.