• Born: December 22, 1960; Brooklyn, New York City, United States
• Died: August 12, 1988; Manhattan, New York City, UnitedStates
• Painter
• Style: Neo Expressionism. Street Art

Jean Michel Basquiat was a New York Street artist whose work became mainstream in the 1980s. Basquiat’s work dealt with social issues, particularly racism and social order. Basquiat became friends with the Pop artist, Andy Warhol and created numerous works of art with Warhol. Basquiat is considered a Neo-Expressionist, a style in which the artist uses identifiable forms but presents them in an expressive, emotional manner. Neo Expressionism emerged in the 1980s and still continues.

Activity

For this exercise, consider the concepts of Neo Expressionism and the approach to expressing feelings/emotions in art that Basquiat employed. Create a work in your sketchbook that expresses your emotions/feelings about yourself or an issue. Do not rely on realism, but do explore how imagery and materials can describe a feeling.

Get out your sketchbook and two pencils.

• Place one in front of you.
• Create a sketch of the pencil.
• Include as many details as you can:
• Text on the pencil.
• Is it sharp or dull?
• Is it round or does it have flat sides?
• Does your pencil have a pattern?
• Add the cast shadow.
• Add value, or light and dark areas, to your drawing.

Romero Britto

Activity:

For this exercise, divide your page into at least six or more segments by crossing lines. Create a line drawing of either your initials in bubble letter, an animal, or a person. In each section fill the drawing with a different pattern. Add color to the final drawing and deepen the dividing lines with a heavy black line.

Before clicking the buttons below, PLEASE watch the video tutorial at the bottom of this page!