Pablo Picasso Art Projects For Children

Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, pioneered Cubism—a style that breaks objects into geometric shapes and shows multiple perspectives at once. Introducing Picasso to children helps them explore creativity, abstract thinking, and self‑expression.

Abstract Self-Portraits

Objective: Explore identity through imaginative facial features.
EYLF: Outcomes 1 & 4.
Materials: Paper, crayons, markers.
Steps:
Draw a large face shape.
Add eyes in unusual positions.
Place nose, lips, and ears freely.
Add imaginative hair and background patterns.
Colour boldly with contrasting hues.

Educator Tip: Encourage children to talk about how their portrait shows their personality — this builds confidence and self‑expression.

Cubist Picture Drawing

Objective: Introduce geometric abstraction and colour theory.
EYLF: Outcome 4 & 5.
Materials: Ruler, pencils, warm/cool colour crayons.
Steps:
Choose a simple subject.
Draw the subject.
Crisscross lines across the image.
Trace lines with a black marker.
Colour the subject with warm colours and the background with cool colours.

Educator Tip: Use this to start conversations about how colours can express feelings and moods.

Group Collage Cubism

Objective: Encourage teamwork and shared creativity.
EYLF: Outcome 2
Materials: Magazines, scissors, glue, chart paper.
Steps:
Cut out shapes of faces, objects, and colours.
Assemble into a shared collage.
Overlap and fragment perspectives.
Glue onto chart paper.
Display as a mural.

Educator Tip: Assign small roles (cutting, arranging, gluing) to ensure all children contribute equally.

Storytelling Through Cubism

Objective: Link art with literacy.
EYLF: Outcome 5.
Materials: Paper, crayons, markers.
Steps:
Provide a theme.
Children draw fragmented images for story parts.
Use geometric shapes for perspectives.
Share and narrate their artwork.

Educator Tip: Record children’s storytelling and revisit later to connect art with language development.

Picasso Paper Plate Faces

Objective: Create 3D abstract faces.
EYLF: Outcome 4.
Materials: Paper plates, paint, collage materials.
Steps:
Paint the plate with bold colours.
Add facial features in unusual positions.
Glue collage materials for hair/accessories.
Add background patterns.
Display as installation.

Educator Tip: Use recycled materials for sustainability and to model resourcefulness.

Geometric Animal Art

Objective: Explore Cubism through animals.
EYLF: Outcome 4.
Materials: Animal templates, rulers, crayons.
Steps:
Select an animal template.
Divide into geometric sections.
Outline with marker.
Colour each section differently.
Compare with realistic drawings.

Educator Tip: Extend by discussing habitats and how animals might look in abstract form.

Picasso Line Drawing

Objective: Practice continuous line drawing.
EYLF: Outcome 5.
Materials: Black markers, large paper.
Steps:
Choose a subject.
Draw without lifting pen.
Continue until complete.
Add colour if desired.
Share results.

Educator Tip: Remind children there are no mistakes; this builds resilience and confidence in experimentation.

Colour Emotion Faces

Objective: Connect colours with feelings.
EYLF: Outcome 3 & 5.
Materials: Paper, crayons, paints.
Steps:
Draw a face outline.
Choose colours to represent emotions.
Fill facial features with chosen colours.
Add expressive background patterns.
Discuss moods.

Educator Tip: Use emotion cards alongside the activity to help children link colours with feelings vocabulary.

Cubist Still Life

Objective: Break everyday objects into geometric shapes.
EYLF: Outcome 4.
Materials: Fruit, bottles, paper, crayons.
Steps:
Place objects on table.
Sketch simply.
Divide into geometric sections.
Colour boldly.
Compare with Picasso’s still life.

Educator Tip: Rotate objects weekly to keep the activity fresh and engaging.

Picasso Puppet Faces

Objective: Combine art with dramatic play.
EYLF: Outcomes 1 & 5.
Materials: Cardboard, sticks, collage materials.
Steps:
Cut cardboard into abstract face shapes.
Add facial features in unusual positions.
Decorate with collage materials.
Attach a stick to create a puppet.
Use puppets in storytelling.

Educator Tip: Encourage children to role‑play emotions with their puppets, linking art with social‑emotional learning.

Exploring Pablo Picasso’s art with children is not about perfect technique, it’s about freedom, imagination, and self‑expression. By offering activities that break away from realism, educators empower children to see the world in new ways, experiment with colour and shape, and connect emotions with creativity.

These 10 activities provide a balance of individual exploration, group collaboration, literacy integration, and emotional learning, all while linking back to EYLF outcomes. Remember: the goal is not to replicate Picasso but to inspire children to think differently, take risks, and celebrate their unique artistic voices.

Encourage reflection, display their work proudly, and remind children that art is a journey, one where every line, colour, and shape tells a story.