During the three-day creative workshop in the autumn holidays, pictures will be created based on the works of Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein
From dancing figures and a fire-breathing dragon to summery swimming pool scenes: Colorful Pop Art-style pictures were created during a creative workshop at the Goddelau youth center during the autumn holidays. Five children aged ten to twelve explored the works of artists Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein under the guidance of youth worker Kai Faßnacht.
It wasn't just about painting. The participants also made the canvases for their pictures themselves. From building the stretcher frames to the finished artwork, the entire creative process was in their hands.
First saw and hammer, then paint
The first day of the three-day workshop focused on hands-on work. Using saws, hammers, and staplers, the children built their own stretcher frames from wooden strips. They then stretched canvas over the frames and primed the surfaces for later painting.
It wasn't until the second day that the artistic work began. Books featuring the works of Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as numerous reference images, served as inspiration. After selecting their subjects, the participants created initial sketches and began painting.
Dragons, dancers, and a DJ at the mixing console
Twelve-year-old Leia based her design on a dragon motif by Keith Haring. While the dragon was still awaiting its final coloring, the red flames were already clearly visible.
In another picture, black, cartoonish figures danced around a fire in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Ten-year-old Manuel opted for a particularly colorful composition: a yellow triangle against a green background, around which blue, yellow, and red figures dance.
Noah, also ten years old, incorporated typical elements of pop art. His picture shows an orange comic DJ at a yellow mixing console.
Eleven-year-old Lucas, on the other hand, chose a summer scene. Several swimmers can be seen in blue water. One figure is standing on the board of a high diving tower, while another is performing a tucked backflip.
Your own artwork for your home
In the large room under the roof of the youth center, the children worked intently on their paintings. Besides Leia, Manuel, Noah, and Lucas, twelve-year-old Tyler also participated in the workshop.
At the end of the three days, each participant was allowed to take their self-created artwork home. The paintings were entirely self-made – from the self-built canvas frame to the final brushstroke.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Featured image: Creative concentration: Manuel, Noah and Lucas (from the front), in the background youth worker Kai Faßnacht and Leia. Photo: City of Riedstadt
