- Definition
A self-portrait is simply a picture an artist makes of themselves.
Frida Kahlo's paintings of herself surrounded by monkeys and plants are famous self-portraits.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A self-portrait is like taking a selfie, but instead of using a phone camera, you use paint, clay, or a pencil.
Ask your child: What would your self-portrait say about you without using any words?
Common mix-up: Kids may think a self-portrait has to look exactly like a photograph. A self-portrait can also show feelings, ideas, or personality, not just what a person looks like.
Examples
- Vincent van Gogh painted many self-portraits that show his changing moods and feelings.
- A photographer taking a picture of their own reflection in a mirror creates a photographic self-portrait.
self-portrait is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
