Date: January 20, 1997

Grade Level(s): 3, 4, 5, 6

Subject(s):

• Interdisciplinary
• Arts/Visual Arts
• Social Studies/US History

Overview:

Jacob Lawrence, a renowned African American artist, has revealed his distinct experiences through his work. Through his biographical paintings, he has conveyed his feelings of what it means to be black in America. This lesson, based on the work of Jacob Lawrence, provides the students the experience of creating a biographical painting of an event in African American history.

Background Information:

Much of Jacob Lawrence's work consists of historical themes related to the rich heritage of African American people. Gouache (opaque watercolors), and tempera are Lawrence's characteristic mediums. Also characteristic of his work is his use of somber browns and black for shadows and outlines in an otherwise vibrant palette. Lawrence's bold use of color, striking patterns, and strong design makes his work truly remarkable.

Objectives:

1. Students will name and demonstrate at least four characteristics of Jacob Lawrence's work.
2. Students will create a biographical painting based on an event from African American history.

1. Harriet and the Promised Land , by Jacob Lawrence
2. John Brown, One Man Against Slavery , by Gwen Everett, paintings by Jacob Lawrence
3. Biographical Sketch of Jacob Lawrence
4. White construction paper, Large (12x18)
5. Tempera Paint, or Opaque Watercolors
6. Paint Brushes, various sizes
7. Newspaper
8. Water containers

Activities and Procedures:

1. Introduce Jacob Lawrence by reading his book entitled, Harriet and the Promised Land aloud to the students. Discuss Lawrence's illustrations, noting his use of colors, lines, shapes, shadows, etc.
2. Tell students about Jacob Lawrence's life. A biographical sketch of Jacob Lawrence can be found online.
3. Share with students other samples of Jacob Lawrence's work, using pictures, prints, books, etc. (A children's book entitled John Brown, One Man Against Slavery , by Gwen Everett is illustrated with Lawrence's paintings). In your discussions of Lawrence's work, encourage students to point out characteristics of his paintings.
4. Inform students that they are going to create a biographical painting based on a person or event in African American history. (Elicit from students the meaning of biographical painting.) If book reports on various African Americans are assigned prior to this activity, students will be better prepared to do the paintings. Students should then choose one event from the person's life to depict.
5. Students should then begin their paintings. Some students may prefer to draw first, using a pencil before painting. Have students plan their paintings by first reviewing characteristics of Lawrence's paintings, then deciding which colors they may want to use. Remind students that their paintings should describe an event or tell a story. Be sure to display samples of Jacob Lawrence's work so students will be able to refer to them, if necessary.
6. When paintings are completed, students should make title cards with a short description of the painting.