How to Draw a Keith Haring Inspired Figure in Motion.
One of my favorite drawing lessons for my upper elementary art students is to have them draw themselves in the style of Keith Haring. They get a kick out of his pop-art, cartoon-like style. Haring successfully made his artistic style very inviting with his art is for everyone attitude.
This lesson is ultimately a self portrait that utilizes a gesture to represent a hobby, talent, personal interest, etc. We discuss how symbols are also something that we can use to communicate different things about ourselves, our interests and our values.
How I introduce the lesson:
- On the first day I have animated flip books from the Haring Kids Website projected as the students walk in. This website has been a valuable resource over the years, as not all of Keith Haring’s artwork is elementary school friendly (always double check when sharing images of his artwork with elementary students.
- My go to book Keith Haring Book is “Keith Haring: I wish I Didn’t Have to Sleep” by Desiree La Valette. It’s best suited for upper elementary students. I typically choose to read the pages that give some insight into his background as an artist and use of symbols. Don’t forget to introduce the kids to his subway drawings, where he got his start as a street artist!
- As a class, we view a handful of images of his simple figures in motion. I ask the students to identify just how the artist has been able to represent the theme of movement. (gestures, poses, motion lines). I pick a few students to strike a pose to have their classmates guess what activity they are representing through the gesture.
- Next, I demonstrate how to draw a simple figure in motion using simple shapes. If you would like to receive a free drawing reference to share with the students, enter your name and email here (insert email sign up).
- As the students are working on their planning I take a photograph of each kid striking their pose of choice. I print them a copy to use the following class for their final drawing.
- For the remaining portion of class, I have the students practice drawing simple figures in the style of Keith Haring, brainstorming/drawing cartoon-like symbols to communicate more about themselves.
Second Session (may need a third depending on how long your classes are)
- Taking up as much of the black construction paper as possible (paper orientation based on pose), the students draw their figures using simple shapes (get the free resource here by entering your email). Remind them to draw as lightly as possible. Deep indents in the paper will be obvious when colored over). Outline the figure, round out the edges and erase any unnecessary lines. Do not add facial features, hair or clothing. The exception is if you need an article of clothing, hat, footwear, equipment to further represent your theme.
- A ground line will need to be added behind the figure (line type can be based on chosen pose. For example if you are playing soccer think about adding jagged lines to represent grass
- Surround your figure with your pre-planned symbols. Aim to draw these in a variety of sizes, spread out, repeat any if you wish.
- Outline your figure in white colored pencils and add white motions lines near the parts of the body that are in motion
- Fill in your entire figure with one bright color (not skin tones)
- Keeping the background black, to make your designs pop, add color to the symbols and ground line. Consider using bright colors to stand out from the black background.
Supplies
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-pencil
-Black construction paper
–Prismacolor Colored Pencils are my favorite colored pencils to give to the kids. You can’t beat how vibrant they are.
–Color sticks to fill in large areas
-Optional-Keith Haring I don’t want to go to sleep by Desiree La Valette
If you are interested in a more general “How to Draw a Keith Haring Figure” lesson, you can find it in my TPT store.