Roy Lichtenstein

I had a lot of fun teaching the 1st and 3rd graders about Pop Art in the past two classes. We covered Andy Warhol last week. This week I chose Roy Lichtenstein specifically for the student who loves drawing comics. Whaddya know, he took to it and incorporated a bit of the lesson into his own art. 

I love parody. Mr. Lichtenstein was a master. 

I had the chance to see some of his work at a Pop Art exhibit in San Francisco. I was struck by how large the pieces are, but also how (ever so slightly) imperfect they are. Now don't get me wrong, Mr. Lichtenstein was known for his precision the dramatic effect this offered. What I was touched by, however, is that these seemingly perfect, photograph-like images have minute flaws. These appeared to me a precious archeology of the artists' hand. That he was actually there, steadily creating this astounding work. 

And it is astounding. He did not shy away from the 'Pop.'

When I think of Roy Lichtenstein I think of heightened Americana. In 2010, we are all too familiar with the art, board games, clothing and technology of the 1960's. But in 1963, he painted "Whaam!" a blaring, can't look away image that takes us to the heart of war and novelty. Many of his images were very similar to actual comic panels. I imagine if we wanted to be self-reflective, a great way to do so would be to take small items from our daily life and then blow them up to 4 times their size. He even paints in a pixelated fashion, using the Ben-Day printing process as a painting style. Andy Warhol achieved a similar effect through the commercialization/repetition of his images. I think it may be tempting to read too much into this work. By all means, it has depth and serious meaning, but I think this lies more within the view than with the artist or the work. 

I dig the fun, every so gently insightful flair of Lichtenstein's art. 

I had the kids draw the following image today. It was based off of a coloring sheet I found online. It's a fun project. Think of something that makes a sound or a strong emotion. Draw it, throw in some words and blamo: a fun, Lichtenstein inspired work.