Jean Michel Basquiat Art Project Black History Month Art Lesson Art History

Bring bold color, expressive mark-making, and powerful artistic voice into your classroom with this Jean-Michel Basquiat Inspired Art Project Video Lesson, a complete art education experience that blends art history, contemporary art exploration, critical thinking, and hands-on artmaking for Grades 4 to 8.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• 2-Page Detailed Lesson Plan (overview, big ideas, materials, learning outcomes, competencies)
• National Art Standards alignment page
• Critical Thinking Questions (full page of higher-level discussion prompts)
• Art Project Rubric (4-level assessment tool with craftsmanship, creativity, effort criteria)
• Questions & Wonders worksheet (student inquiry page about Basquiat)
• Art Viewing & Elements of Art analysis page
• Journal: Creating My Artwork reflection page
• Artist Statement template (2 versions included)
• Full-Color Example Artwork page
• How-To Create Visual Instruction Sheet (4-step printable guide with images)
• "Watch the Video" page (PDF) with a clickable link and QR code to the step-by-step video tutorial, so you can watch it anytime and show your class again later
• Download: Jean-Michel Basquiat Art Lesson - Video Lesson + Lesson Plan - Ms Artastic.zip

HOW TO USE IT

A strong middle school art project that connects to modern art history, and a structured yet expressive painting lesson. The video-led format works for sub plans, distance learning or hybrid classrooms, or as demonstration support.

• Perfect for Grades 4 to 8 art
• Excellent for middle school art curriculum
• Encourages risk-taking and creative expression
• Includes built-in assessment and reflection tools
• Aligns with National Art Standards

You get structure AND creative freedom.

WHAT STUDENTS WILL DO

• Explore neo-expressionism and modern art movements
• Experiment with layering paint and oil pastels
• Create expressive abstract backgrounds
• Develop symbolic figures inspired by Basquiat’s bold style
• Use texture, line, color, and mark-making intentionally
• Write reflections and artist statements
• Engage in critical thinking about art, culture, identity, and creative risk

This lesson supports experimentation, voice, and artistic courage, not perfection.

MATERIALS USED

• Acrylic or tempera paint
• Oil pastels
• Cardstock or thick paper
• Black paint or black felt marker

FAQ

What grade level is this best for?

Ideal for Grades 4–8, especially middle school art. It can be scaffolded up or down depending on ability level.

How long does this lesson take?

Typically 2–3 class periods depending on drying time, depth of reflection, and student pacing.

What materials do I need?

Acrylic or tempera paint, oil pastels, thick paper/cardstock, brushes, and optional black paint or marker for outlines.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator who has been featured on NBC LX News and was the featured educator on the cover of OCO Magazine (October 2025). She designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this resource for classroom, homeschool or personal educational use, and print and project it for student learning.

YOU MAY NOT: share it with other teachers or post it online.

Each educator must purchase their own license.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic