Let's Draw Graffiti Letters: Graffiti Art Today and Way Back in Pompeii!
In this one-time class, students will learn to draw three-dimensional letters in a graffiti style, analyze the elements and principles of design used in contemporary graffiti, and learn about graffiti that kids made in Pompeii.
Nicole Maynard
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(2)
What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
This is a one-time class in which students will be able to analyze the elements and principles of design used in graffiti and will be able to create their own unique letterforms. We will learn about graffiti done by children in Pompeii via a short video clip from Smithsonian Magazine. We will discuss the importance of respecting the property of others and the difference between vandalism and murals. There will be a connection to linguistics with an explanation of the etymology of the words graffiti and mural and how they stem from Latin. My classes combine a playful approach to visual arts with interdisciplinary content added when it’s relevant and illuminating. We start with an icebreaker to create a sense of community. Students then respond to essential questions as we look at slides. A short drawing exercise happens at the beginning of class with the main work occurring after we go over the content. I project my iPad screen so that students can see me draw examples and respond to their requests for clarification. Students have the option to share their work in progress and again at the end of class. Instructions are given for how to complete work if students don’t finish during class time.
Learning Goals
Students will learn about graffiti as a kind of typography that uses elements and principles of design like line, shape, color, contrast, form, and variety. They will learn about the history of graffiti in Pompeii and contemporary forms of graffiti. There will be a connection to linguistics with an explanation of the etymology of the words graffiti and mural and how they stem from Latin.
National Visual Arts Standards:
VA:Cr1.1.5a Combine ideas to generate an innovative idea for art-making.
VA: Re.7.1.6a Identify and interpret works of art of design that reveal how people live around the world and what they value.
VA:Cr2.3.7a Apply visual organizational strategies to design and produce a work of art, design, or media that clearly communicates information or ideas.
VA:Re.7.1.8a Explain how a person’s aesthetic choices are influenced by culture and environment and impact the visual image that one conveys to others.
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
No experience necessary!
Supply List
Students need a few sheets of white paper (computer paper is fine), a pencil, an eraser, and something to color with. Markers are great, but colored pencils or crayons work well, too.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2024
5.0
2reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from University of Pennsylvania
I taught this lesson virtually to eight different classes (18-24 students in a class) while working at a private school as a full-time art teacher. The students enjoyed learning about graffiti past and present and loved being able to write their names in a new style. I have taught drawing to PK-12 students and multiple times in higher education.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$9
per classMeets once
50 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
3-9 learners per class
