Look at the pictures of Frida Kahlo.
Find one that shows the artist with a favorite object, in a favorite place, or out supporting an important cause. Look closely. What objects are shown? How is she posed? What is in the background? What do you think that expresses about her?
Discuss or reflect on what you might include in a self-portrait:
- A favorite toy or object representing a pastime
- An object symbolizing a cause you support
- A thing you like to collect
- A favorite outfit
- A favorite place, at home or beyond
Choose what you want to include. When you make a self-portrait, the act of adding things that show what you like helps people understand who you are.
- How will you pose for the self-portrait?
- What objects will you include?
- What will be in the background?
- Where will you be? You can draw in the background, or cut out your portrait and paste it on a printed picture
Steps for Drawing:
Start with a light sketch. Try to start lightly, with basic shapes. This way you can change things around if necessary.
Tip: younger children will just plunge right in. Adults, sit back, observe, and go with it! Have extra paper handy if you can. Afterward, you can have children cut out the parts of their picture and arrange them in a collage.
When creating your background, you can either draw or collage. Pick a background or objects that tell us something about you.