End Of Year Graduation Art Project Graduation Self Portrait Last Week Art Lesson

This Graduation Self Portrait Art Lesson is an end of year art project for elementary students that celebrates growth, identity and finishing the school year. Students draw themselves wearing a graduation cap and gown while practicing portrait drawing, composition and color.

Students start by sketching a graduation cap with a tassel, then draw their portrait underneath and add hair, facial features, clothing and decorative details. They choose hair colors and skin tones that reflect their identity. The background is finished with swirling marker lines and a watercolor marker bleed, which makes the portrait stand out. Each finished piece becomes a keepsake.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “My kindergarten students loved doing this art project at the end of the year. They had so much fun creating their portrait to look like them. They were able to follow my instructions without much help from me, which was fabulous since it was the end of the year and we were all just really counting down the days. I will be using this again next year.” Amber L.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Teacher Lesson Plan
• Step-by-Step Visual Drawing Guides for the cap, portrait, clothing and decorative background
• Printable Student Worksheets
• Example Artwork for classroom reference
• Assessment Rubric
• Student Project Sheets

WHAT STUDENTS LEARN

Students learn to draw a graduation cap and tassel, create a self portrait with facial features and expression, design clothing and personal details, use wax crayon and marker techniques, create watercolor marker bleed backgrounds and add decorative shapes and patterns.

Use it for end of year art lessons, May or June classroom celebrations, homeschool art and sub plans. The finished portraits make a lovely graduation display, hallway exhibit or portfolio piece.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Classroom teachers, art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers working with elementary students.

How do I teach it?

Project the step-by-step visuals, demonstrate the drawing process for the class, or let students follow the guided instructions on their own.

How long does this project take?

Most classes finish in 2 to 3 class periods, depending on student age, skill level, class behavior, teaching style and available time.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS

★★★★ “This was such a fun activity. It was easy for my grade ones and they turned out great!” kira H.

★★★★ “Students really enjoyed this lesson as they prepare to graduate. They had fun thinking about their year in school. Very organized lesson.” Stephanie R.

★★★ “My students liked using this resource, but it was a bit hard for some. The end result was very cute and they were happy. They were engaged throughout the activity. Thank you!” Belkis A.

★★★ “I used this with a Kindergarten class at the end of the year.” Kimberly C.

★★★★ “Love this resource my students really enjoyed this!” Madame M.

★★★★ “It was great! My kids loved it!! Super easy to follow!!” Tiffany R.

★★★ “A quick and easy art project for the last day. The students added their own special touches to make the portraits more personal.” Marti P.

★★★★ “Perfect end of the year distance learning project! The kids were so creative and they came out amazing! Great and fun resource” Rebecca G.

★★★★★ “SUPER CUTE” Bsazzle

★★★★★ “Thank you! Great resource!” Kathryn B.

★★★★★ “This was so much fun to do with my Kindergartners!” Amanda S.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist, art educator and curriculum designer whose art lessons are used by teachers and homeschool families around the world. She was featured as the cover educator in OCO Magazine and has appeared on NBC LX, sharing her passion for making art education creative, accessible and joyful.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products. This resource is licensed for single classroom use.

YOU MAY: use this resource in your own classroom. Additional licenses must be purchased if multiple teachers wish to use it.

YOU MAY NOT: share this resource with other teachers, upload it to shared drives or websites, or resell or redistribute any portion of it.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic