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Building our concepts of identity and self-awareness are essential to the growth and development of middle-school students. With this project, students will literally confront the "man in the mirror." Applying what they have learned studying the elements of art, students will observe the lines, shadows, variations in color and form, to paint their true selves, as they see reflected in the mirror. All great artists have created self-portraits as a means of exploring their own perspective, their place in the world, and their vision as an artist; this project gives students the tools to explore the way they see themselves. In addition to applying their powers of observation, students will also be engaging in their first big paint project through this art-making experience. They will mix colors using what they have learned about color theory, and study ways of working with the medium. Sixth graders will work with tempera paints and water-color, while seventh and eighth grade will work with acrylic paints on canvas stretchers. In order to prepare for this major project, students will study the works of famous artists such as Frida Kahlo, Kehinde Wiley, Vincent Van Gogh, and Gustav Courbet. Students will consider how pose and expression can give the viewer a glimpse into the artist's world. They will then consider how to represent themselves, and will plan their painting with several sketches. The final piece will showcase everything they have learned-- applying their skills to reveal their true selves through art.