How to Turn Family Portraits Into Early American Silhouettes

Silhouette portraits have been a popular tradition for generations.

Early American silhouette portraits were the only way to capture a person's likeness long before cameras were invented in 1826. According to Darnelle Vanghei of the Harry Ranson Art Center of the University of Texas, early silhouette portraits were the "cheapest, quickest and most accurate method of preserving one's likeness." Many Early American silhouettes were drawn, then painted with soot on plaster, but there are many examples from that same period where cut paper was the method of choice. Today, we can use photographs to create silhouettes or make them the old fashioned way, using light, shadow, paper and pencil.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Photographs, silhouette view
• Sharp scissors
• Heavy black paper
• Yellow or white lead pencil
• Heavy white or ivory paper
• Rubber cement
• Chair
• Lamp
• Large sheet of white paper
• Masking tape
• Soft lead pencil
• Black marker
• Art gum eraser

Instructions

Silhouette Portrait From a Photograph

1. Photograph a side view of the person who will be the subject of the silhouette portrait or use an existing photograph.

2. Make a copy of the photograph using a computer or a photo service center and carefully cut out the profile with sharp scissors.

3. Trace the silhouette onto heavy black paper, using either a white or yellow lead pencil that will show up on black paper. Cut out the tracing carefully.

4. Choose heavy white or ivory paper as background paper for mounting the silhouette portrait. Apply rubber cement to the back of the black silhouette and affix it to the background paper. Frame as desired.

Making a Silhouette Portrait From a Drawing

1. Seat the silhouette subject on a chair, next to a blank wall. Position him so the side view of his face, or his silhouette, is showing. Place a lamp near the person so his shadow can be seen on the wall behind him.

2. Affix a piece of paper on the wall with masking tape so his silhouette appears on the paper. Include the neck and shoulders, if desired. Trace the outline of the silhouette onto the paper with a soft lead pencil.

3. Work quickly or allow the subject to get up and stretch. Return the subject to his original position by using the silhouette as a guide.

4. Remove the paper from the wall when silhouette is complete. Erase any stray marks with an art gum eraser.

5. Fill in the silhouette with a black marker or cut it out and trace it onto black paper using a white or yellow pencil. Cut out the tracing and mount it to a piece of white or ivory paper using rubber cement. Frame as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Traditionally, the background of a silhouette is white or ivory, but color or patterned paper will give portraits a fun look.

• Large, hand-drawn silhouettes can be reduced to a smaller size on a copy machine.

• Create custom gifts, such as stationary or book plates, using the silhouette portraits.

References

• Artists Helping Children: Silhouette Projects
• Photo How To's: Silhouettes
• University of Texas: Silhouettes