Picasso Selfie
Picasso Selfie
Topic: Visual Art Careers
Empowerment Lesson Video: Visual Arts Careers
Supplies:
- Examples of works by Pablo Picasso (photos, books, PowerPoint)
- Construction paper in various colors
- Glue
- Scissors
- Optional: fabric scraps, patterned paper, newspaper, and/or magazines
Video Discussion:
Ask, “What does the phrase ‘visual arts’ mean?”
Allow students to turn and talk to a partner. Then, have students come together to share their ideas.
Form a class definition of the term “visual arts”. For example, “artistic activity involving the act of telling stories through things we can see such as photography, art, videos and movies.”
Explain that there are a variety of careers within the visual arts field. Note that all require creativity and the ability to share ideas and feelings with others.
Tell the students they will be watching the video Visual Arts Careers. Explain that the video presents role models talking about why the field of visual arts is a good career choice.
After watching the video, use some or all of the following questions to review the video content and prepare students for the activity:
- What visual arts careers sound the most interesting to you? The least interesting?
- What is a photography curator and what kind of work do they do?
- How it is possible to use artwork to tell a story?
- How would you feel if your artwork was on display for all to see?
- What does it mean when we talk about someone’s “authentic voice?”
- How is being a visual artist like being a magician?
- Besides exploring the Career Girls website, what are some other ways you can learn more about career possibilities as a visual artist?
Activity Instructions:
Introduce students to the world of visual arts by exploring the work of Pablo Picasso, a famous artist known for his unique and creative portraits. This activity will help students think like artists while creating their own self-portraits in Picasso’s style.
Get ready to see yourself in a whole new way! Today, you’ll create a Picasso-style self-portrait using bold shapes, colors, and creativity, just like a real visual artist. Let’s explore how art can be a fun and exciting way to express who you are!
Instructor Note: Start the activity by briefly introducing Pablo Picasso. Show some of his work and highlight key features of his unique style.
- Gather the supplies you will need to make your Picasso selfie including a blank sheet of construction paper to serve as your canvas and a variety of other colored papers or fabric scraps. You will also need glue and scissors.
- Brainstorm the type of image you plan to create. Think about which paper and fabric colors you will need, which shapes will look best, and any other details that are important to you.
- Cut or rip your paper and fabric into the correct shapes and glue them to your construction paper “canvas”.
- When you have finished creating your Picasso selfie, take a moment to admire your work!
- Be prepared to share your work with the class and explain how you used shapes, colors, and creativity to represent yourself.
