Art inspired by Hale Woodruff's "Afro Emblems"- First Grade

Students in first grade discussed symbols and their meaning.  We spoke about everyday symbols and how they help to generate a message quickly.  We also learned about how symbols are used throughout the world and that there are "universal symbols"and symbols specific to a culture or place.  After looking closely at Hale Woodruff's "Afro Emblems", we brainstormed what some of the symbols in his painting meant.  

We also talked about the organic shapes found in his work.  The class then drew organic shapes in the likeness of those found in Woodruff's "Afro Emblems".  Students traced their pencil drawings with permanent marker and painted their drawing using three colors.  When the paintings were complete, students began using two chalk pastels colors on a printout of Woodruff shapes.  After students were done coloring, they cut and pasted the colorful shapes to their painting.

“I think all art, if it’s worth its salt, has got to be universal . . . Now it can be black art; it can be yellow art; white art; anything . . . But if it’s worth its while, it’s also got to be universal in its broader impact and its presence.” Woodruff interview, Archives of American Art, quoted in Hale Woodruff, 50 Years of His Art, Exhibition Catalogue, 1979

Hale Woodruff's "Afro Emblems"

                                                         
                                                           Hale Woodruff in his studio.