Ode to Jacob Lawrence Art Project for Kids Tutorial and Coloring Page
Below you’ll find an easy step-by-step tutorial for a Jacob Lawrence style art project and Coloring Page. He is known for his vibrant figurative paintings that share Black Americans experiences and daily life in Harlem.
This drawing tutorial was inspired by a painting by Otis L. Stanley, who painted figures like the above as a tribute to Jacob Lawrence. It imitates Mr. Lawrence’s style in way that is easy for even young students to draw.
Jacob Lawrence is one of the most prominent and recognizable artists of the Harlem Renaissance. It was a significant social movement which took place in the 1920s and 1930s following the Great Migration, when thousands of African-Americans left the south and moved north and west.
The result was the flourishing of art, music and literature that reflected the history and experience of the African-American. The artistic, literary and musical contributions of Harlem Renaissance artists continue to serve as an inspiration for today’s artists.
Jacob once said that his works “express my life and experience. I paint the things I know about and the things I have experienced.”
Use the Button below to download a PDF Tutorial
Jacob Lawrence Coloring Page
Materials for a Jacob Lawrence Art Project
- Drawing Paper. This is the good stuff you can buy in bulk for a good price.
- Pencils. I like how this brand always makes nice dark lines.
- Black Marker. A permanent marker will give you a dark black color.
- Crayons. The larger packs are nice for more color choices.
- Note: All of the above are Amazon affiliate links.
Step by Step Directions for a Jacob Lawrence Drawing
Time needed: 45 minutes
Draw a Jacob Lawrence Art Project
- Draw the simple hat shape.
- Add the head underneath.
- Start the dress shape.
- Draw the large bowl near the bottom.
- Draw the right hand over the bowl.
- Add the left hand and handle.
- Erase the gray lines, add table and trace with a black marker.
- Fill the shapes with bright bold color.
- Add a darker blue shadow on the dress and hat.
