Create a Lichtenstein Comic

What You Need:

• Paper and pencil
• White paper
• Ruler
• Markers
• Fine point black marker

What You Do:

1. Take a look at Roy Lichtenstein’s artwork online or at your local library. Lichtenstein wowed the world with his creative and ironic images. He was considered a pop artist, and took images from popular culture as inspiration for his comic-style paintings.
2. Invite your child to take notes on the interesting things he learns about Lichtenstein as well as creating some thumbnail sketches of paintings he finds interesting, or text from the paintings that he likes. He can use this information later while creating his own Lichtenstein artwork.
3. Now your child can create a sketch for his own single-cell comic image, thinking about layout, design, composition, and balance. Part of what made Lichtenstein’s paintings interesting was his choice of color and design style.
4. Once he’s satisfied with his sketch, he can think of a short phrase that will add to his artwork. Often, Lichtenstein’s comic phrases were ironic, or the opposite of what one might think. He can use a pencil to write the phrase in his artwork.
5. Now your child can add color to his creation using markers thinking about color choice and creating strong lines and areas of color. Invite him to use a ruler if necessary. He can also go over his phrase using a fine-point black marker.
6. Display the finished single-cell comic image in a spot where others can enjoy!

Did You Know: The critic for the New York Times declared Roy Lichtenstein to be one of the worst artists in 1964.