Toddler Self Portrait Art Activity

Inside this post I’m sharing a low prep art idea for kids! This simple toddler self portrait art activity is so fun (and funny!).

RELATED: I share more about fine motor skills and how to help kids build them in my new ebook, Fine Motor Magic! This ebook also includes some fun art activities.

Help kids build strong fine motor skills with Fine Motor Magic!

A simple guide for busy parents to strengthen their kids’ fine motor skills at home.

Why are self portrait art activities good for kids?

Here are a few reasons self portrait art activities are good for kids.

1. Self portrait art builds self-awareness & identity. Kids love exploring their features and learning more about themselves.
2. Self portrait art encourages observation skills. As kids look closely at their own photos, it helps them notice details (eye shape, hair style, emotions, etc).
3. Painting helps kids develop their fine motor & pre-writing skills.
4. Self portrait art can help kids develop their creativity and imagination! They can either paint themselves as they are or create a new version of themselves.

Do you have any favorite self portrait activities you do that kids enjoy? Share them in the comments.

How to set up this toddler Self Portrait Art Activity

• Cut paper from a paper roll so that it’s about the height of each child (or a little shorter).
• Secure the paper to a wall or fence (using painters tape or thumbtacks).
• Pour paint into paint cups. I usually use red, yellow, and blue.
• Put paint brushes with each cup of paint.
• Print off a photo of each child and cut around the heads.
• Glue each photo onto the top of a big paper.
• Now kids are ready to create!

Self Portrait Art Activity Instructions

1. Set up the art station with photos of each child on large papers.
2. Encourage kids to come over and paint themselves! Tell them to try and paint their bodies and add any details that they’d like to add to create themselves.
3. Step back and let kids create!

There is NO right or wrong way to do this activity! This is an art invitation, so invite kids to use their imaginations to create. Avoid giving them too many instructions.

My pro tip for using paint with toddlers!

Use paint cups!

Paint cups are THE BEST, especially ones with lids! Toddlers often use less paint than you expect. So once they’re done, cover up the paint and use it again another time soon.

Paint cups are also sturdy, so they’re less likely to fall over and spill.

How can I adapt this for older kids?

You can keep this art activity simple for older kids and let them use their imaginations and just paint themselves however they want, or you can give them a little direction and a prompt.

For example, here are some prompts you could use with big kids as they paint themselves.

• See if you can add these parts to your picture: neck, arms, legs, body, feet
• Paint yourself wearing a favorite outfit that you love.
• Paint yourself looking like you do today!
• Give yourself a colorful outfit and hair style.

What else would you add?

What are some other easy art activities for kids?

Do you have any other favorite self portrait art activities? Tell us about them in the comments!