Pablo Picasso Self Portrait Art Lesson Cubism Famous Artist Picasso Art Project

In this Pablo Picasso Self Portrait Art Lesson, students create cubist self portraits inspired by Pablo Picasso. They paint colorful papers, cut out facial features and shapes, and arrange them into a bold abstract portrait that makes a striking classroom display.

It is written for classroom teachers, art teachers and homeschool educators who want a full famous artist lesson. Students are guided through the project with a Picture Puzzle Hook, an artist reading about Pablo Picasso, a Whiteboard Splash discussion prompt, reflection pages, assessment tools and step-by-step assembly support. The lesson focuses on Cubism, abstract portrait art, painted paper collage and creative self expression.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “Im always looking for new ways to incorporate Picasso into my first graders lessons and this was exactly what I was looking for.” Kryssa R.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Lesson Plan Pages with the lesson overview, materials, lesson hook, participation strategy, standards and full teaching flow
• Picture Puzzle Hook, where students piece together an image to discover they are making Picasso inspired self portraits
• Artist Reading Page about Pablo Picasso, his life, his art periods and the development of Cubism
• How to Assemble Page showing how the self portrait pieces come together
• Step-by-Step Art Making Pages with visual and written directions for painting the papers, creating the facial sections, cutting out the pieces, overlapping the shapes and building the final portrait
• Example Artwork Poster to print or project
• KWL Chart about Pablo Picasso
• Rubric focused on creativity, craftsmanship, effort and meeting the project criteria
• Art Reflection Pages on message, materials, value, shapes, forms, line and process
• Compare and Contrast Page on Realism and Cubism
• Goal Setting Page
• Artwork Reflection Page
• 3 Stars and a Wish Page
• Artist Statement Page
• Artwork Postcard Page, a creative extension
• Display Support materials for presenting student work

The resource also includes prep and teaching guidance on projecting the PDF, photocopying handouts and using the poster sample as the hook.

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students paint different color sections, create textured background lines, draw one eye facing the viewer and one facing the side, overlap face sections, and simplify the portrait into abstract shapes. Along the way they learn about Pablo Picasso and Cubism, abstract portrait design, self portrait composition, painted paper collage, cutting and arranging, and geometric shapes.

The lesson blends art history, hands-on art making, class discussion and written reflection, including an artist statement. It is structured enough to support students who need guidance, while leaving room for each student to make a portrait that feels like their own. It also works for sub plans, bulletin board displays and art history integration.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers who want a complete famous artist art lesson.

How can I use it with a whole class?

Project the step-by-step pages, use the lesson plan as your demonstration guide, and bring in the Picture Puzzle Hook, artist reading, Whiteboard Splash, KWL, reflections and artist statement pages for a full lesson.

Does it include reflection and assessment pages?

Yes. It includes a rubric, KWL chart, art reflection pages, a compare and contrast page, goal setting page, 3 Stars and a Wish page, artist statement page and an artwork postcard extension.

How long does this lesson take?

Usually 2 to 3 classes, depending on student age, class length, skill level, behavior, teaching style and how much time you spend on the artist study, discussion and written reflection.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (2)

★★★★ “Great resource to use with 1-3rd grades when teaching about Picasso.” Stephanie R.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator whose work has been featured on NBC LX News and in OCO Magazine, as the featured educator on the cover of the October 2025 edition. She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers, and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in creative ways and have as much fun with it as you like. For clip art, you may use the images as clip art, website graphics, binder covers or bulletin board decorations. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (admin can buy additional licenses), sell it, give it out for free or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic