A Black History Month Art Project inspired by an inspirational man
Ellis Wilson never achieved fame in his life. In fact, his paintings are still being discovered and categorized to this day. What he did, however, through painting, was inspire an entire generation or more of young black artists during the Harlem Renaissance.
Why?
Because he proved that even the simple things of their lives made incredible subjects for works of art. He worked hard to continue to showcase and promote not only his work, but other black artists during a time where white people were finally waking up to the incredible accomplishments of black men and women.
One of Wilson’s pieces with rainbow carp kites that are flown on Japan’s Children’s Day inspired me to create some of my own. All you need is tempera paint!
Scroll all the way down and click the banner to download the FREE PDF which has step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need:
- 12×18 or 9×12 any color sulphite paper
- Tempera paint (4-6 colors, white, and black) OR tempera paint sticks
- Paintbrush and cup of water
Creating your Fish Kite
Start by choosing 4-6 colors of tempera paint for your fish.
Paint each fish using an oval shape, with a flattened end. The first fish should face down. The rest of the fish should have the flat end on the left side of the page.
Make sure to add the tail and the fins if they are visible.
Every time you start a new fish color, use that color to add an eye to the previous fish.
Add a ring of a different color around each eye once all the fish are painted.
Use black to outline the fish, add scales, and to add the strings.
Clean the brush thoroughly and then dab white clouds in the negative space.
Depending on your color scheme, the size of your paintbrush, and your paper color, your result will be unique!
Want less mess? Try these!
Grab your tempera paint sticks and you can get the same beautiful fish kites, without the mess.
Click the banner below to download the FREE pdf.
For another Black History Month Art Project inspired by the incredible contributions of Black artists, scientists, historians, and more, check out this Honey Bee Art Project, inspired by Charles Henry Turner.
I am most excited to see my art students work on this vibrant design. I will be looking at the art of Ellis Wilson. Thank you so much!
I’m so thrilled to hear that! When you do the project, I would absolutely love if you’d tag us so I can see your students’ work!