The LACMA team is working together from our respective homes to bring you interesting content and creative activities while the museum is temporarily closed to the public. We may not be able to gather together, but we can still create something beautiful.

Inspired by Julie Mehretu’s large works and her process of layering maps, architectural plans, historical imagery, and drawings, you can create your own art project at home with a few simple materials and your own creativity!

Get creative with your art supplies!

Step One: Gather Your Materials

No need to buy anything! Look throughout your home for potential art-making supplies. (Scavenger hunt!)

Supplies:

• Paper—8.5”x11” or larger
  The best paper for this project is scrap or found paper. For example: junk mail, past (completed) homework assignments, printer paper, pages from an old coloring book, art you created (maybe paintings you made in Boone Children’s Gallery), newspaper, maps (ask your adult(s) if they have an old Thomas Guide—a navigation artifact from before smart phones).
• Something to make a mark
  Pencils, crayons, markers, pens, highlighters, pastels, stamps/ink pads
• Stencils
  If you don’t have stencils, you can trace around cups, small boxes, cans, toys, etc.
• Bonus
  Colored tape

Julie Mehretu, Untitled 2, 2001, private collection, courtesy of Salon 94, New York, © Julie Mehretu, photograph by Tom Powel Imaging

Step Two: Look at Julie Mehretu’s Art

Take a long look at the art. The longer you look, the more you will see!

Find the following:

• Colors—Name four colors that you see
• Shapes—Name the shapes that you find
• Lines—Can you find lines that are: Straight, Curvy, Blurry, Thick, Thin

See how the artwork is layered with different lines, colors, and shapes all on top of each other?

See who can find the most interesting shapes to trace!

Step Three: Make Marks

Ready, set, go!
Be inspired by Julie Mehretu’s lines and layers to make your own piece of art.
Start making your marks by drawing, tracing, and scribbling.
Trace lines, circles, and squares using stencils or drawing around cups or toys.
Be sure to overlap shapes and images!
Press hard to make strong lines. Press lightly for soft lines.
If you have colored tape, add it!

Keep layering until you feel like your artwork is complete!

Ta da! A unique piece to decorate your home!

We would love to see your artwork! Have an adult post your creation to social media and tag @lacma.