Let's Draw Modern Japanese 'Pop Art' - Fun Characters - Kiki and Kaikai!

In this one time art class we will learn how to draw two creature creations by the famous Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. Kaikai and Kiki, who featured prominently in Murakami’s work are super cute and fun to draw - looking like many different animals in one. Their names recall the term ‘kaikaikiki’ used in the late 16th century to describe the work of the painter Eitoku Kanô as being both ‘powerful and sensitive’. I will give a tutorial and practical lesson on how to draw these two creatures with step by step instructions. They will learn different techniques to achieve his drawing style using coloured pens and bold lines. We will practice how to draw in his style and produce a creative and vibrant drawing of Kaikai and Kiki. 

Drawing from traditional Japanese painting, sci-fi, anime, and the global art market, Takashi Murakami creates paintings, sculptures, and films populated by repeated motifs and mutating characters of his own creation. His wide-ranging work embodies an intersection of pop culture, history, and fine art. Since the early 1990s Murakami has invented characters that combine aspects of popular cartoons from Japan, Europe, and the US—from his first Mr. DOB, who sometimes serves as a stand-in for the artist himself, to various anime characters and smiling flowers, bears, bunnies and lions. These figures act as icons and symbols. 

My teaching style is very enthusiastic and I like to encourage my students by praising what they are doing well and sensitively pointing out where they could improve. The best way to learn is through doing and so my lesson will be very interactive and engaging. The students will need some plain paper, a pencil, a black marker pen and coloured pens, pencils, crayons or paints including at least three colours minimum. No required experience or knowledge is needed for this class. Just a joy and curious attitude about art and how to draw!