When I ran my art studio, one of my favorite ways to kick off the school year was with a Self-Portrait Art Activity for Kids that I called the “Couple Portrait” project. This wasn’t just another art activity—it was a powerful icebreaker, a confidence booster, and an opportunity for kids to start seeing each other (and themselves) in a new light.
This project holds a special place in my heart, not just because of the stunning results but because of the process of seeing kids getting to know each other and reflecting on themselves and others. The best part? Parents loved these self-portraits just as much as the kids did. Many framed their child’s self-portrait and proudly displayed it at home—capturing a snapshot of who their child was at that moment in time.
Looking for more ice breaker ideas? Check out our Calligram “I am” project, or this collection on ice breaker prompts!
Kickstart the School Year with a Creative Self-Portrait Art Activity
What You’ll Need:
- Xuan paper (1x student divided into two halves)
- China ink
- Watercolors or very diluted tempera paints
- Optional: Gold foil (for that extra special touch) and Elmer’s glue
- Mirrors (for those all-important self-portraits)
- Brushes, water containers, and palettes
- Pencils for sketching
Step 1: Pair Up the Kids
First, decide whether you want to start with the self-portrait or the friend’s portrait and set up the class accordingly. Since the project involves creating two separate drawings by each student (a portrait and a self-portrait), it can easily be split into two distinct lessons.
Step 2: Set Up with Xuan Paper
Xuan paper is fantastic for this project—it’s delicate but perfect for bold ink work. I prefer offering two separate halves of the paper rather than splitting a single sheet down the center. This allows for more flexibility in how the final artwork is assembled (see Step 6).
Step 3: Dive into the Self-Portrait
Hand out mirrors and let the kids start sketching their self-portraits. The self-portrait is all about black and white, using China ink to focus on shapes, lines, and their own unique features. It’s a great exercise in self-awareness and expression.
Step 4: Create the Portrait of a Friend
Now comes the fun part—drawing a friend! On the other half of the paper, the kids will draw their partner, adding a splash of color with watercolors or diluted tempera.
Step 5: Add the Gold Foil Magic
Here’s where things get really special. Let the kids add gold foil to highlight certain areas of their portraits. It adds a bit of shimmer and makes their artwork feel extra special. We loved gold foil in our studio. It was such an easy way to add sparkle and texture to the artworks, and it just made them look like proper grown-up art.
Step 6: Assemble the Final Portrait
Once both portraits are complete, you have two creative options for assembling the final artwork:
- Option 1: Two Views of Two People – Assemble the self-portrait and the friend’s portrait together. This creates a single artwork showing two different people, each drawn by the same child. It’s a fantastic way for kids to showcase their understanding of both themselves and their partner.
- Option 2: Two Perspectives of One Person – Combine the self-portrait with the portrait of the child done by their friend. This creates a unique piece where the same person is portrayed from two different perspectives—one self-drawn and one observed by a friend. It’s an excellent way to highlight how we see ourselves versus how others see us.
Both approaches offer a deep, reflective experience for the kids and make for stunning, conversation-starting artwork that parents will treasure.
Step 7: Reflect and Share
Once the artwork is done, take a moment to reflect with the kids. This reflection period is more than just a routine wrap-up—it’s a chance for the children to articulate their experiences, express their emotions, and deepen their understanding of the project and themselves.
Encourage the kids to share what they’ve learned about themselves and their partners during the process. Often, kids are surprised by how they see themselves versus how their friends see them, sparking meaningful conversations about identity and perspective.
However, it’s important to recognize that not all reactions will be positive. Sometimes, children may feel unhappy with how their peers have drawn them, especially if they’re adjusting to new things like wearing glasses or braces. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss differences and personal sensitivities, helping kids learn to communicate respectfully and supportively with one another.
What do you think? Try out this self-portrait art project with your kids or students and share your experiences in the comments below!