How do kids do self portraits? Here are some easy self portrait ideas for preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Teach your kiddos to create their own self portrait for a mixed media art project for all ages. From a fun self portrait with LEGO or playdough to an abstract art project inspired by famous artists. Or what about making self portrait art from a printed picture! Any of these self portrait ideas below are great for beginners!
What Are Self Portraits?
Self-portraits for kids involve creating artworks that represent themselves. It’s a unique and personal way for kids to express their identity and explore their self-perception through art.
These portraits can take various forms, from drawing and painting self portraits to collages or sculptures. When engaging in self-portrait activities, kids can experiment with different artistic techniques and mediums, allowing them to develop their creative skills.
Beyond the artistic aspect, self-portraits also provide a platform for self-reflection and expression of emotions. It encourages children to consider how they see themselves and how they want to be represented visually.
This process enhances their creativity and contributes to building a sense of self-awareness and confidence. Self-portraits can be a fun and empowering way for kids to connect with their own identities and communicate their unique personalities through art.
Free Printable Self Portrait Ideas Guide!
Self-Portrait Inspiration For Kids
Express yourself with selfies or self-portraits! Below, you’ll find links to various art projects that use different techniques you can try to create unique masterpieces with your kiddos!
Use A Photo To Create A Lichtenstein Style Comic
Roy Lichtenstein was a well-known American pop artist who favored old-fashioned comic strips as a subject matter. During the 1960s, along with Andy Warhol, and other artists, he became a leading figure in the new art movement. Create a self-portrait inspired by Lichtenstein comic strip pop art.
STEP 1. Print a picture of yourself.
STEP 2. Use tracing paper to trace the picture of yourself with black marker.
STEP 3. Color it in with dots and watercolor paints.
Playdough Portrait
Make a silly self-portrait using homemade playdough. Playdough can be an excellent way to weave in building those fine motor skills and encourage creativity. Get inspired by our Dali Dough activity!
LEGO Self Portrait
Can you build a picture of yourself using only LEGO bricks? All you need is a base plate and a handful of basic bricks. Make it as easy or complicated as your imagination wants. Turn it into a LEGO STEAM challenge and set a time limit. Perfect for indoor fun or a rainy day at home!
Basquiat Portrait #1: Oil Pastels
Create your own funky and colorful self-portrait inspired by the famous artist Jean-Michel Basquiat! Basquiat art for kids is a great way to explore mixed media art with kiddos of all ages. This first self-portrait idea uses oil pastels and art paper.
Basquiat Self Portrait #2: Paint
This second Basquiat art project creates a fun abstract self-portrait from paint and tape.
Silhouette Selfie
A silhouette is an image represented as a solid shape of a single color, usually black, with its edges matching the subject’s outline. Trace a picture of yourself that shows your silhouette, and then fill it in with a black marker.
Drawing Self Portrait
Can you draw yourself only using one line? Try drawing a face without ever lifting your pencil. Then color any way you like.
This self-portrait below uses watercolors. Did you know that you can make your own watercolors, check out the tutorial here.
Pop Art Self Portrait For Older Kids
Try this fun Pop Art selfie project with tweens and teens. Learn more about Andy Warhol and the Pop Art movement here and look for a free coloring book.
Preschool Self Portraits
What about self portraits for preschoolers? Here are some simple and creative ideas for younger kiddos. Remember to focus on the process rather than the end result. Displaying their self-portraits in the classroom can boost their self-esteem and create a positive and colorful environment.
Combine this with our All About Me activities for preschoolers!
1 Mirror Drawings: Provide each child with a mirror and let them observe their features. Encourage them to draw what they see on paper using crayons or markers.
2. Paper Plate Portraits: Have preschoolers use paper plates as the base for their self-portraits. They can add facial features using cut-out shapes, yarn for hair, and googly eyes.
3. Playdough Faces: Set out different colors of playdough and encourage children to sculpt their own faces. They can add details like eyes, nose, mouth, and even accessories like hats or glasses.
4. Collage Creations: Provide a variety of magazines, old photos, and colored paper. Preschoolers can cut out facial features and glue them onto a larger paper to create a collage self-portrait.
5. Dress-Up Portraits: Set up a dress-up station with hats, scarves, and other accessories. After dressing up, have the children draw or paint themselves wearing their chosen items.
6. Photo Frame Art: Provide blank paper frames and let preschoolers draw themselves within the frame. They can add details and decorations around their portraits.
7. Footprint Faces: Dip the sole of the child’s foot in washable paint and make a print on paper. After it dries, encourage them to add facial features with markers or crayons.
8. Emotion Explorations: Talk about different emotions and ask each child to draw how they feel that day. This can lead to a discussion about emotions and self-expression.
9. Nature Portraits: Take the class outside and let children collect natural materials like leaves, twigs, and flowers. Back in the classroom, they can use these items to create self-portraits.
Why Do Art with Kids?
Engaging in art activities with kids is a rewarding and beneficial experience for various reasons. Firstly, it fosters creativity and self-expression, allowing children to explore their imaginations and communicate their thoughts and feelings visually.
Art also promotes the development of fine motor skills as children manipulate art tools like crayons, scissors, and paintbrushes.
Moreover, it enhances cognitive abilities by encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking as kids decide on colors, shapes, and composition.
Additionally, creating art provides a platform for communication, helping children express themselves when verbal communication might be challenging.
Furthermore, collaborative art projects promote social skills and teamwork. Overall, making art with kids contributes to their holistic development, nurturing artistic abilities and cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of their growth.
Helpful Art Resources To Get You Started
Here are a few resources to help you introduce art more effectively to your kids or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
Printable Famous Artist Bundle
You’ll find each of our famous artists featured in our Famous Artists Project Pack 👇 including tons of fantastic resources!
This bundle includes a variety of art packs to cover different areas of the art experience! Perfect for ages 5-12, with various activities to suit all age levels. Easy to use in the home or classroom.
PACKS INCLUDE:
- Famous Artists Project Pack with 25+ artists to explore past and present, including women, people of color, and indigenous peoples.
- Artists Challenge Pack: Various extra art projects, including a museum scavenger hunt and extras.
- 7 Elements of Art Pack: Learn about and explore the 7 elements of art with handy information, tips, and fun projects to try.
- Art and Playdough Pack: Make homemade playdough and use these art mats, featuring famous artists and simple information, with kids of all ages.
- Art Techniques Pack: Learn watercolor, collage, and printmaking techniques for your art projects. Complete with information, tips, and activities to try!
