Let’s Get Artsy with Playdough: Picasso-style Fun!

Are you ready to unleash your inner Picasso and create some super cool playdough art? Well, have I got a treat for you today! We’re going to talk about these awesome printable playdough mats that let you make your very own Picasso-style faces. Trust me, it’s going to be a blast!

Picasso Playdough Mats

So what is the point of the Picasso themed playdough mats, anyway?

Well, I love to combine subjects; in this case, art history and fine motor skills.

Why not introduce your children to Picasso while getting them to improve their fine motor skills (and also, have fun!).

Here are some of the best play doh tools to get your kids even more engaged in playdough.

And if you want to know more benefits of the Picasso Playdough Mats, here you go:

Get Creative

These mats are like a canvas waiting for your artistic touch. You can experiment with different colors of playdough and create funky, one-of-a-kind faces. Picasso loved to mix and match shapes and colors, and now you can too!

Learn about Art

Picasso was an amazing artist who had his own unique style. By using these playdough mats, you can learn about his artwork and try to recreate it in your own way. It’s a fun and hands-on way to discover more about famous artists and their masterpieces.

Develop Fine Motor Skills

Rolling out playdough, shaping it into various forms, and placing it on the mats helps improve your fine motor skills. These skills are essential for things like writing, drawing, and even playing sports. So, while you’re having fun with playdough, you’re also secretly becoming a master of coordination!

Boost Imagination

With these mats, you can let your imagination run wild. Maybe you want to create a Picasso-style face with three eyes and a nose on the side. Or how about a face with a crooked smile and floppy ears? The possibilities are endless! Let your imagination soar and see where it takes you.

Share the Fun

These playdough mats are great for playing with friends and family. You can have a Picasso party where everyone creates their own unique faces. It’s a fantastic way to bond, laugh, and appreciate each other’s artistic skills. Plus, you can proudly display your creations afterward and show off your Picasso-like talent!

How to Use the Picasso Playdough Mats

Using these playdough mats is a piece of cake, or should I say, a piece of playdough! Follow these simple steps to get started:

Gather Your Materials

First, make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need the printable playdough mats (you can download and print them from the provided link), some playdough in various colors, and a flat surface like a table or a tray.

Print and Prepare

Print out the playdough mats on regular printer paper or cardstock. If you’re using cardstock, it will make the mats sturdier and easier to work with. Cut out each individual mat, so you have them ready to use.

Set Up Your Workstation

Clear a space on your table or tray and lay down the playdough mats. Make sure they’re flat and free from any folds or wrinkles. You can arrange them in any order you like, depending on which faces you want to create first.

Get Your Playdough Ready

Now it’s time to get your playdough ready for sculpting! Take your playdough and knead it in your hands to make it soft and pliable. You can choose different colors for different parts of the face, just like Picasso did in his artwork.

Roll and Shape

Take a small piece of playdough and roll it into a ball. Place it on the mat where you want the feature to be. You can press it down gently to make sure it sticks to the mat. Repeat this step for each part of the face, like the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Feel free to mix and match colors and experiment with different shapes.

Add Details

Once you’ve placed the basic shapes on the mats, it’s time to add some details! You can use smaller pieces of playdough to create eyebrows, hair, or any other unique features you’d like to include. Let your imagination guide you, and remember, there are no wrong answers in art!

Play and Explore

Now that your Picasso-style face is taking shape, it’s time to play and explore. You can use your fingers or small tools (like toothpicks or plastic utensils) to refine the details and add texture to your playdough creation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make your face truly unique!

Display and Share

Once you’re satisfied with your masterpiece, carefully lift it off the mat and let it dry if you want to preserve it. You can display your artwork on a shelf or use it as a decoration. And don’t forget to share your creativity with friends and family—they’ll be amazed by your Picasso-style playdough art!

Tips for Successful Playdough Play:

To make the most of your playdough experience, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:

Keep playdough covered or stored in airtight containers to prevent drying out: Playdough can dry out if left exposed to the air for too long. To keep it soft and moldable, make sure to store it in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags when not in use. This will help preserve its freshness and ensure it’s ready for your next creative session.

If the playdough becomes too dry, add a few drops of water and knead it until it’s soft and pliable again: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, playdough can become a little dry and crumbly. But don’t worry, there’s an easy fix! Simply add a few drops of water to the dry playdough and knead it with your hands. The water will help rehydrate the dough, making it soft and pliable once more.

Encourage children to clean their hands before and after play to maintain hygiene: Good hygiene practices are important, even during playtime. Encourage children to wash their hands before starting to play with the playdough. This helps remove any dirt or germs that might transfer onto the dough. After playtime, make sure to wash hands again to keep them clean and germ-free.

Remind children not to mix the playdough colors excessively to avoid creating a muddy or brownish color: Mixing playdough colors can be loads of fun, but there’s a small caveat. Excessive mixing of different colors can result in a muddy or brownish hue. Encourage children to be mindful of the amount of mixing they do. Encourage them to enjoy the vibrant individual colors and use them strategically to create their Picasso-style faces without turning everything brown!

Picasso’s Artistic Style:

Pablo Picasso was an extraordinary artist known for his revolutionary and unique approach to art. His style was characterized by several distinctive features that set him apart from other artists of his time. Here’s a glimpse into Picasso’s artistic style:

• Use of Geometric Shapes: Picasso was fascinated by geometric shapes, often breaking down objects into simplified, angular forms. He would depict faces, bodies, and objects using geometric elements like cubes, triangles, and rectangles. This approach created a sense of abstraction and added an intriguing dynamic to his artwork.
• Bold Colors: Picasso’s use of color was vibrant and expressive. He employed bold and contrasting colors, often using a non-naturalistic palette to convey emotion and energy. His color choices were not confined to realistic representation but rather used to evoke feelings and create a visual impact.
• Abstract Representations: Picasso’s art often leaned towards abstraction, moving away from strict realism. He experimented with distorting and deconstructing forms, challenging traditional notions of representation. This allowed him to convey emotions and ideas in unconventional ways and encouraged viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level.

Pablo Picasso created an extensive body of work. While some of his art can be abstract or complex for young children, there are several famous Picasso pieces that are more accessible and appropriate for kids. Here are a few examples:

1. “The Dove” (La Colombe): This simple and iconic image of a dove has become a universal symbol of peace. Picasso created it in 1949 for the Peace Congress in Paris.
2. “Bull” series (La Tauromaquia): Picasso’s series of lithographs depicting a bull’s transformation from a realistic representation to a simplified and abstract form can be engaging for children. They can observe the gradual reduction of lines and shapes.
3. “The Weeping Woman” (La Femme Qui Pleure): While this painting can evoke strong emotions, it portrays a woman with tears streaming down her face. It can spark discussions about feelings and empathy.
4. “The Guitarist” (Le Guitariste): Picasso painted various interpretations of musicians, including guitarists. Some of these works are more representational, making them suitable for introducing children to his art.
5. “The Three Musicians” (Les Trois Musiciens): This colorful and playful painting depicts three musicians with exaggerated forms. Children can enjoy exploring the vibrant colors and whimsical figures.
6. “Girl Before a Mirror” (Jeune Fille Devant un Miroir): This painting showcases a young girl’s reflection in a mirror, presenting contrasting images of her exterior and interior self. It can spark conversations about self-perception and identity.
7. “The Rooster” (Le Coq): Picasso’s stylized representation of a rooster can be visually appealing to children. Its bold lines and vibrant colors capture the essence of the animal.

These artworks serve as just a glimpse into Picasso’s immense body of work. Exploring his art can inspire and encourage young artists to embrace their own unique style and experiment with different ways of expressing themselves.

Additional Picasso-Inspired Activities:

If you’re looking to expand your artistic exploration beyond the playdough mats, there are plenty of other engaging activities you can try. Here are some Picasso-inspired ideas to spark your creativity:

Creating Picasso-Style Collages

Picasso was known for his innovative use of collage. Gather various materials like colored paper, magazines, fabric scraps, and other found objects. Cut out shapes and images, mix and match them, and glue them together to create your own Picasso-style collages. Experiment with different compositions, colors, and textures to bring your unique vision to life.

Painting Picasso-Inspired Portraits

Grab your paintbrushes and canvases or sturdy paper. Study Picasso’s portraits for inspiration and then create your own Picasso-style portraits. Experiment with abstract features, bold colors, and expressive brushwork. Don’t worry about making it look “realistic” – the goal is to capture the essence and emotions of the subject in a unique and abstract way.

Designing Abstract Sculptures Using Recycled Materials

Picasso was known to incorporate found objects and everyday items into his sculptures. Gather recyclable materials like cardboard, plastic bottles, tin cans, and wire. Use these materials to create abstract sculptures, inspired by Picasso’s love for experimenting with unconventional forms. Let your imagination guide you as you assemble and transform these materials into unique and expressive sculptures.

Picasso-Inspired Mask Making

Picasso was fascinated by masks and their ability to transform identity. Using paper plates, cardboard, or even paper mache, create your own Picasso-inspired masks. Experiment with asymmetrical features, exaggerated shapes, and bold colors. Add elements like feathers, beads, or yarn to enhance the masks and give them a personal touch.

Collaborative Picasso-Style Artwork

Invite friends or family members to join in on the fun! Collaborate on a large canvas or mural where each person contributes their own Picasso-inspired elements. Encourage everyone to experiment with different shapes, colors, and textures, creating a truly unique and collaborative artwork that celebrates Picasso’s style and individual creativity.

Can I make my own playdough at home?

Absolutely! Homemade playdough can be a fun and cost-effective alternative. There are many simple recipes available online that use common household ingredients like flour, salt, water, and oil. Just make sure to follow a reliable recipe and consider any potential allergies or sensitivities.

How can I extend the learning experience beyond the playdough mats?

The playdough mats can be a starting point for further exploration and learning. Encourage children to observe and discuss the shapes, colors, and features of Picasso’s artwork. You can also read books about Picasso, visit art museums (or explore virtual museum tours), and engage in discussions about different art styles and techniques.

How can I incorporate language development into playdough play?

Playdough activities provide excellent opportunities for language development. Encourage children to describe the shapes, colors, and features they are creating. Ask open-ended questions to stimulate conversation, such as “What do you think your Picasso-style face is feeling?” or “How would you describe the lines and shapes you used?” You can also encourage storytelling or role-playing using the playdough creations as props.

Can these playdough mats be used in a classroom setting?

Absolutely! These mats can be a fantastic addition to an art lesson or a unit on famous artists. They promote creativity, fine motor skills, and art appreciation. Teachers can incorporate discussions about art history, encourage peer collaboration, and even organize a mini-gallery to display the completed Picasso-style faces.

Are there any other ways to use these playdough mats?

While the mats are specifically designed for playdough, you can also use them as stencils for drawing or tracing. Children can outline the shapes on paper and color them in using different art mediums like markers, crayons, or colored pencils. It’s a great way to provide alternative creative outlets for those who may prefer drawing over playdough sculpting.

Get the Picasso Playdough Mats Download Here