Coltrane – Inspired by Basquiat

Oil Pastels on black construction paper; H-45cm x W-30cm

I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled… it didn’t want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist’s work I absolutely love: Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

As with all lessons, I try to either do a demo, or show them a sample of work I made… 

Note: The Lesson follows explaining the importance and place Basquiat has in art. history, explain the energy I expect in the work, blasting the most energetic Jazz I can find (eg. Art Blakey & Coltrane), then wandering around the room, continuously pushing and prompting my students (Grade 7 & 8) to add more, to let go, to make the page scream with colourful noise! It’s always a very fun project!!!

With one of my groups, the project evolved as I encouraged them to add different media (paper, paint, etc…) I was already making this oil pastel for a future project and they watched as I made it.