Dare to Make Dotty Comics

crayola supplies

Color Explosion™ Neon
Color Explosion™ Rainbow

household supplies

recycled newspaper

Why

Draw your own comic strips! You get brilliant colors from just one Color Explosion Marker. Try these cartooning techniques for instant success.

Steps

1. Look at the comics section in a newspaper. Notice how people, objects, and animals are drawn. If you look very closely, you’ll discover that shaded areas are actually made up of lots of small dots. These are called Benday dots and are used in many types of printing.
2. Do you know about the Pop art done by Roy Lichtenstein (1923-1997)? He created large paintings that look like newspaper comics. He usually painted with Benday dots. You can, too!
3. Start by choosing a comic you enjoy. Draw the simple lines of the picture first. In large open areas, decide whether to use Benday dots or parallel straight lines to fill the space. Try several techniques to create your own fun cartoon drawings!

When & Where

""When we had a Pop art show, several groups tried this project. Kids and grownups really got into this style of cartooning." "
- Ann L., art museum docent

""We create our own comic artworks in Lichtenstein’s style to remember funny things that happen to us." "
- Kathy, parent of ages 9 and 12

Interesting Info

Sometimes people wonder how Roy Lichtenstein can “copy” a comic and not give credit to the original artist. He replied, “My work is unlike the original comic strip in that every mark is in a different place. The difference may not be great, but it is crucial.” [from Scholastic Art, March 1999]

Safety Guidelines

Color Explosion™ Black—Wash hands well with soap and water after use.