: 2 # n a l P n o s s e L i t Graffi Principles In 9 Steps!

Graffiti Art
In this lesson plan, we explore some of the layering and component aspects of graffiti art. The beauty of this lesson plan is that it is easily scaled to each persons skill level now and in the future. So as you skills get better you can rework this lesson over and over again with impressive results!

Supplies needed
 Large Heavy Duty Drawing Paper, here we are using Canson 18x24, (you will need at least 2 sheets)  Basic Number 2. pencil (you can use whatever you are comfortable with) Sharpie Markers of two colors, one needs to be black the other of your choice Eraser  Basic Pencil Sharpener  Scissors  Paint Pens  A can of Spray Paint (your favorite color)  Glue or spray adhesive  Acrylic Paint (one color plus Titanium White)  A palette for your paint  W ide paint brush

Scape Martinez 2009

Interested in learning more about graffiti? Discover GRAFF: the art and technique of Graffiti by Scape Martinez. Learn to create dynamic graffiti art that delivers maximum impact with the same sense of creative risk that graffiti writers have always taken on. GRAFF illuminates the important elements of graffiti art, including its roots in vandalism and then shows you how to create legally sanctioned graffiti styles beginning with sketching outlines and shapes, then working up to completed, colorful pieces, including large murals. More about Scape Scape Martinez creates with spray enamel, house paint, markers, acrylic and watercolor. He owns and operates two youth clothing lines, Liquidscape and Respect, Inc., and is an arts advocate for kids. He is regularly featured in exhibits; does murals and designs; lectures and teaches in the San Jose area and beyond. Hes been featured in Artweek, San Jose Mercury News, Melro, San Jose City Times and The Times of San Jose City College. Visit www.scapemartinez.com

You can find this book and many other IMPACT books at your favorite bookseller. Or order by calling 1-800-258-0929. Visit www.IMPACT-books.com ISBN: 978-1-60061-071-4 $22.99

Interested in purchasing wholesale? Contact Kevin Moran Director of Specialty Sales, F+W Media 513-531-2690 ext. 11270 kevin.moran@fwmedia.com

www.impact-books.com

Scape Martinez 2009

Here are a few pics of some of the supplies you will be using.

You may notice that the acrylics are all very bright in color. We have Yellow, Magenta, Lime Green, Orange, and Turquoise...many colors, but only pick one. You will use one color plus White. You do not explicitly have to use the exact same brands as I use here...These are simply the ones that work for me.

Another view of the supplies you will need to begin the first step.

Scape Martinez 2009

Step 1 Choose your color...in my case I am using yellow. Add some yellow to your palette, add some water to the paint (a few drops) and gently mix it in a circular motion (as indicated by the arrow). Mix the paint with the water to loosen the paint and make it creamy so you dont fight with it as you use it. If you are familiar with acrylics you can use your favorite gel medium to get the paint to the proper consistency. When the paint is ready it should be creamy as you see here...also make sure that your paint is on the forward half of your brush. Any paint that goes up to the handle is usually waste and you want to prevent that.

Step 2 Begin to apply the paint to your surface... if your paint is ready it should roll of your brush with little effort. If it is not add either more water or more medium. Work the paint in a steady left to right movement. You are filling a space so dont think in a linear sense, as you are basically changing the white into yellow. When you are 3/4 of the way complete your paper should look like this as we are working from the bottom up. As indicated by the arrow. At this point we introduce the Titanium White. Why Titanium White you may ask? Well the answer is that we are going to create a gradient and using White is the easiest color to use. If you or your students have a greater skill set and want to use another color feel free. The idea is to create a gradual fade from light to dark or from one color into another. Going from light to dark, your paper can look like this. Also you may notice you sheet of paper getting away from you here and you may need to tape the edges down.

Scape Martinez 2009

Step 3 Take your spray paint (we are using Belton Red) and go outside to a well ventilated and open area. Apply your spray paint in an open, loose, and overlapping fashion. Dont get too crazy with it, you are limited in space, and you do not want to go over all the beautiful painting you just did...you want to add to the composition, not overpower it with the spray paint...give it a taste...you should have something that looks like this.

Step 4 Next step is to get your drawing supplies together... your pencils, Sharpies, and erasers. On a new sheet of clean paper begin to draw out your name with the pencil. In this case we are using Bubble Letters in the Throw Up style. You can use any style you wish. If you are advanced go ahead and rock your wildstyle! When doing your Bubble Letters remember that your letters need to go in an explicitly circular pattern as you can see with the arrow. When complete immediately go over the pencil lines with your trusty Black Sharpie. You should end up with something similar to what you see below.

Scape Martinez 2009

Step Five Take your eraser and get rid of all the pencil lines.

Step Six Take the other Sharpie, here I chase a Magenta color and draw in a stroke around the letter design. You will end up here, with something similar to this.

Scape Martinez 2009

Step 7 Grab your scissors and cut out your letter composition. Take your time and be careful. You will end up with a component that looks like a giant sticker as you can see below.

7 8

Step 8 Go back to your original composition and use either your spray adhesive or glue and past your letters onto your background...you now have your letters floating on an atmospheric background.

Step 9 Using your paint pens now you can add extra details and most importantly any messages that you feel are important to the viewer. You can add extra glows, drips, make sure to tag your name, and add any symbols...suit to taste! You have the worlds attention, so what do want to say? Scape Martinez 2009

THEN YOU ARE DONE! This lesson plan is not something that is etched into stone...you can add or subtract as you see fit. What I have found valuable with it, is that it is truly scale-able. You can do this lesson over and over and at every step ramp up the efforts in each step. Meaning begin on paper, but increase the paper size over time. Change the backgrounds into more intricate compositions. You can explore the interplay of an abstract background with the concrete letters.. How do they play with each other? The letters themselves, in this case they were simple Bubble Letters that were pure white, you can easily add another step of coloring the letters and that brings yet a whole other dimension to the lesson. In the end you can ramp it all the way up to doing the lesson on large canvas and your imagination is the limit! Enjoy!

Scape Martinez 2009

Also here are some convenient PDFs for the lessons: Bubble Letters Small PDF Bubble Letters Large PDF Fat Letters Medium PDF Basic Fills and Letter Modifications PDF - These are a few ideas for basic fill-ins and basic modifications. Mix and match the fill-ins to increase the visual impact of your art. Do the same with the letter modifications.

Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009

 Scape Martinez 2009