Complementary Haring

First Grade
3 Class Periods

Complementary Haring, First Grade Art Lesson

Day 1:
Prior to this lesson, students had a unit learning about the human form.  Students learned basic body proportions and basic anatomy.

We kicked off this project by learning about artist Keith Haring.  I have done a project with my first grade students on Keith Haring in previous years, but this is just a new idea for teaching the concepts of the lesson.  To view my previous lesson or to learn more about artist Keith Haring check out my link to my blog: Moving With Haring.

After learning about the artist, student took a piece of 12 x 18 inch paper and folded it in half and then in half again to form 4 rectangles.

In each rectangle, students traced a Keith Haring figure stencil.  (I made numerous stencils based off of Haring's work.  Students choice the stencils they liked best.)  I limited their designs to one or two stencils.

Day 2:
On the second day of art, I shared with students a youtube clip that I discovered on artist Keith Haring.  Keith Haring Was Here After the video we have a great discussion about Graffiti art.  We also discuss how fast Keith could paint. Students loved this youtube clip.  I think it is wonderful when they can actually hear the artist speak about their work and see them working on their art.

As a class we have discussed complementary color schemes in earlier lessons.  So today we reviewed what we remembered about complementary colors (yellow-violet, blue-orange, and red-green).  Students were instructed that they could only pick one complementary color scheme to paint their compositions.  Students were given a demonstration on how to paint each box as an opposite of the box next to it.  We also discussed, allowing paint to dry in areas before painting next to it to avoid our colors blending.

Painting complementary colors.

Day 3:
On this day, students finished up painting their compositions with the tempera cakes using their complementary color scheme.

As our finishing touch, I had students use a tiny brush and liquid black tempera to outline their pieces.  We discussed adding the motion lines, that Keith is so famous for in his artwork.  Students were given tips on how to hold their brush for better control.

Outlining composition.

Student Examples: