Frida Kahlo Art History and Self-Portrait Project

Frida Kahlo was a famous 20th century artist from Mexico; she was a strong woman who painted many self-portraits to express herself and represent the world around her. She painted many of her pets in her self-portraits, including monkeys! Frida Kahlo also married muralist Diego Rivera and spent some time in the United States of America. Professional artists and students alike can relate to Kahlo because she overcame many obstacles, her artwork is easy to identify, and she inspires many through her masterpiece paintings.

This downloadable zip file includes two lessons plans and two PowerPoint presentations. Both lesson plans are PDF files and 2 pages long. The “Frida Kahlo Art History Lecture” PowerPoint is 40 slides long, and it’s geared towards upper elementary/early middle school students. The first 34 slides include biographical information about Frida Kahlo’s life and how she overcame challenges and obstacles to become a great artist. There are several checkpoints included, which help students interact with lecture and retain information. The remaining 6 slides show drawings created by 4th grade students who were inspired by Los Fridos. Their self-portraits include animals.

The “Frida Kahlo Style Self-Portrait” is an over-the-top detailed demonstration that includes 204 slides. This tutorial includes photographs and text of how to draw and color a successful self-portrait with step-by-step instructions. This is perfect because it frees the teacher from having to slow the class down with a demonstration, it is large when projected, and it saves valuable prep time.

This fun art activity is so easy to teach that non-art teachers can use it or it can be left with a long-term substitute. This art project is better than a craftivity, and it is perfect for teaching self-portraits or Mexican art. It could also be used in a Spanish or history class as a cultural lesson. Use this lesson during Women's History Month or during Cinco de Mayo.

Kahlo Art History Lecture:
Anchor Standard: 11. Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Lesson Objective: Students will be able to identify Frida Kahlo’s art.
Lesson Activity: Students will participate during a lecture.
Materials: “Frida Kahlo Art History Lecture” PowerPoint, sketch paper, and pencils
Time: 1 Class

Kahlo Style Self-Portraits:
Anchor Standard: 3. Refine and complete artistic work.
Anchor Standard: 11. Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Lesson Objective: Students will be able to identify Frida Kahlo’s art and create a self-portrait in response to her art.
Lesson Activity: Students will create a self-portrait with an animal.
Materials: “Kahlo Style Self-Portrait” PowerPoint, 9x12” drawing paper, paper to cover the tables, pencils, mirrors, erasers, and markers
Time: 5 Classes