Moving with Haring

First Grade Art Lesson
4 Class Periods

Moving with Haring, First Grade Art Lesson

About the Artist:

Keith Haring was born May 4, 1958 in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.  He is known as a Pop/Graffiti Artist.  Keith had his first public art show when he was only 19 years old!  He decided to move to New York and try to make it as an artist. 

Artist Keith Haring.
 

While living in New York he traveled by subway.  It was here that Keith became famous.  He thought the subway needed something to brighten it up, so using chalk he started to draw pictures on the walls.  People noticed his work and before he knew it, Keith's art was on TV and in the newspaper.  By 1981, he had people wanting to buy his work.

Untitled Piece by Keith Haring.
 

Haring's work became very expensive.  Keith opened a store called the POP SHOP.  In this store you could buy numerous things with Keith's art on it, ranging from keychains to posters, all at affordable prices.  It was important to Keith that everyone could have a chance to buy his artwork, not just the rich.

In 1988, Haring got very sick.  There was no cure for his illness (AIDS).  He started to create artwork about his illness.  All the money he received for his artwork he donated to the hospital to help search for a cure.  Keith died February 16, 1990.  He was only 31 years old.

Keith had one wish for the world.  He wanted everyone to be able to create art, especially children.

Want to learn more about the artist? 

Check out this fun site to explore more about Keith Haring.

Keith Haring: Activities and Games for Kids

 

Day 1:

• Students learned about artist Keith Haring and the artwork he created during his life.
• Using Keith Haring character stencils, students planned out a composition on 12 x 18 inch paper.

Students using stencils to plan out composition.

Day 2: 

• Figures within the composition were colored in with a solid marker.
• Students were instructed not to place clothing or faces on the stencil drawings.  This is important in Haring's work.  Haring wanted the figures in his paintings to be able to represent anyone that the viewer wanted them to; his figures could be your grandma, your little brother or yourself! 

Day 3:

• Motion lines were incorporated around the figures within the composition.  Haring liked to show movement within his compositions.
• Students started to incorporate different types of lines within their composition by using a black sharpie marker.  Different types of lines were discussed: curvy, zigzag, thick, thin, dotted, etc.

Student adding lines to background of composition.

Day 4:

• Students finished adding lines within the background.
• Graffiti was discussed.  Students incorporated small graffiti designs within the background of the composition using a black sharpie marker.
• The figures were re-outlined with a thick black marker to allow them to pop out from the composition.

 

Student Examples:

 

 

Little Clay Owl

Kindergarten Art Lesson
2 Class Periods

Little Clay Owl, Kindergarten Art Lesson

 

Day 1

• Students are introduced to terra cotta (Earth clay).  We discuss the colors it can come in and how it smells. We compare and contrast how it is different from playdoh.
• Through follow along demonstration students are instructed on how to create the clay owl.

1. Students start by pushing clay flat so it is "pancake" thick.
2. Students are then instructed to roll up the sides of the "pancake" to look like a taco shell.  Once the shell is created students gently push this flat.  This step creates the wings on the owl.
3. Students then fold the top part of the clay down to create the head of the owl.  Ears are pinched out.
4. Last, but not least students add details to the owl using various clay tools. 

• The final step is placing a small hole in the back of the piece so it can be hung on the wall at home for display.

Student adding details to clay owl with drawing tool.

Day 2

• When students return to class the owls have been bisque fired.
• We discuss how the clay is different from the first class period.
• Students are given a tour of the kiln.  The parts of the kiln and firing process are discussed.
• Students are allowed to paint owl any color they wish using tempera paint.
• An acrylic sealer is sprayed over the owl to prevent the paint from rubbing off.

Student Examples:

 

 

 

 

Blue Dog

Second Grade Art Lesson
3 Class Periods

Blue Dog, Second Grade Art Lesson

 

About the Artist Studied:

George Rodrigue is a Cajun artist who was born March 13, 1944 in New Iberia, Louisiana.  He went to art school in Louisiana, Los Angeles and New York.  He first began his painting career by painting people and landscapes inspired by Louisiana Cajun living. 

His fame and fortune began when he invented Blue Dog.  Blue Dog is based off of his own dog Tiffany and the stories his mother told him of a werewolf dog called Loup Garou.  Blue Dog became so famous that George started painting more pictures of this famous dog.

George wanted everyone to know that Blue Dog could be anywhere, be any color and wear anything.  Blue Dog is all around us!  George Rodrigue lost his fight with cancer on December 14th, 2013.  He was 69 years old.


 

George Rodrigue with a Blue Dog painting in progress.

The first Blue Dog painting.

Short video clip students watched on George Rodrigue.
 

Day 1

1. Students will learn about the life and artwork of George Rodrigue.  Students should understand that Blue Dog can be any color, be in any environment and wear any outfit.  Share examples from book Blue Dog Speaks by George Rodrigue.
2. Through follow along demonstration have students draw the body of Blue Dog.
3. After the body is drawn, student may incorporate thier own background and clothing for their Blue Dog.
4. Students should outline final drawing with a sharpie marker.

Day 2

1. Read to students Why is Blue Dog Blue? by George Rodrigue.  Have students use oil pastels to color in Blue Dog's eyes and muzzle.
2. Allow students to paint Blue Dog using tempera paint.  Students may paint Blue Dog any color they may like.

Day 3

1. Share youtube video clip with student about the history behind Blue Dog.
2. Allow students to finishing painting
3. Outline projects carefully with black oil pastel.

Student Examples: