Fifth Grade: Keith Haring Inspired Figures

The fifth graders made two projects exploring gesture using abstracted figures.  The first was a 2D  project inspired by the artist Keith Haring.  The second project was a 3D sculpture made of wire.  We began our first project with a review of the elements of art color, line and shape.  After talking about body shape and proportion we discussed body language and how to use gesture to create a character or tell a story.   Before beginning their final drawings the students practiced drawing abstract figures in  action poses.  They also practiced using line and pattern. 

When they were happy with their final pencil drawing they used black sharpie pens to outline the figures and patterns.  They had three choices for finishing.  They could leave the drawing black and white and add pattern in the background, they could use primarily black and white with an accent color or they could color everything in flat, solid blocks of color with a few added action lines.

Black and white with pattern

Black and white with color accents

Color with action lines