Basquiat Skull Art Lesson Black History Month Artwork Art History Art Project

This Basquiat Inspired Skull Art Project is a complete, step-by-step Jean-Michel Basquiat art lesson for Grades 3 to 6. Inspired by Basquiat's "Skull" artwork, students create expressive skull compositions with black backgrounds, layered paint swatches, bold oil pastel outlines and raw, energetic texture.

It is not a "perfect drawing" lesson. Students explore risk-taking, layering, rough mark-making, contrast, symbolism and creative identity while learning about Basquiat's influence and neo-expressionism. It works as a stand-alone Basquiat lesson, part of a larger art history unit, or a Black History Month project.

WHAT TEACHERS ARE SAYING

★★★★ “This was the perfect supplement for our black history month artist research unit. The students loved the project and were highly engaged.” Joy N.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF)

• Detailed multi-page lesson plan with Basquiat context (pages 1 to 2)
• Big Ideas and Learning Outcomes
• National Core Arts Standards listed in the resource
• Teacher Does step breakdown
• Full-page critical thinking discussion prompts
• Art Project Rubric (30-point scale with clear criteria)
• Reflection Journal Page
• Elements of Art and Principles of Design page
• Artist Statement page
• Full color example
• 11 step-by-step instruction pages with visuals and text
• Color Me extension pages

HOW TO USE IT

Students experiment with black backgrounds and layered white swatches, add expressive color blocks with acrylic or tempera paint, create dynamic skull compositions in oil pastel, explore rough texture and visible brush strokes, add symbolic text, initials or layered marks, and reflect on meaning and artistic choices.

Materials: pencil and eraser, black felt marker, oil pastels, thick paper or cardstock, acrylic paint or liquid tempera, paintbrushes and water. The lesson usually takes 2 to 3 class periods, depending on grade level, class length, student pace, drying time and the depth of critique and reflection. No advanced art training is required, and it suits classroom teachers, elementary and middle school art teachers, homeschool educators and substitute teachers.

FAQ

Is this project too advanced for upper elementary?

No. The steps are broken down clearly and visually, and the expressive nature of Basquiat's style supports a wide range of abilities.

Can I adapt the materials?

Yes. Acrylic is recommended, but tempera works well. Oil pastel is important for bold linework and layering.

How messy is this project?

It is layered and expressive, but manageable with structured paint stations and drying space.

Is assessment included?

Yes. A detailed rubric, reflection page and artist statement are included.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (7)

★★★★ “This is resource makes this art project easy to implement. Thank you for the visuals.” Mme C

★★★★ “My intermediate school aged child really enjoyed making this art project.” Jovan F.

★★★★ “my students artwork came out amazing. following along was so simple and the students loved how easy it was” Jenna F.

★★★★ “Loved this resource! It was so fun to do with my enrichment group!” Melaninna B.

★★★★ “The students loved this lesson. They had lots of fun. It is a great resource!” Pamela L.

★★★★ “My students said this lesson was 10 out of 10!” Kellee T.

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 featured on NBC LX News and the featured teacher of OCO Magazine. She designs structured, creative art lessons for classrooms and homeschool educators worldwide. 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. All rights reserved.

YOU MAY: use this resource in your classroom or homeschool. Additional licenses are available for school use.

YOU MAY NOT: use this on OutSchool, put it on your blog, share it with other teachers, administration or districts (additional licenses required), or sell, redistribute or photocopy it for others.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic