Warli-Inspired Stick Figures
adding movement to make playful, simple art
I’ve seen a few pleas from actual artists that say things like “Say NO To Stick Figures.” They’re not saying “You may only draw skillful, hyper-detailed drawings” but instead offering a few improvements that can make you feel more empowered as an artist. You don’t have to have a grasp on drawing human anatomy to tell stories with a few easy strokes.
I’m inspired by folk art in this way. Warli drawings, for example, is art from a tribe in India that utilizes lines and simple shapes to depict people playing music and dancing. They’re full of life, and it’s beautiful.
The art of Helen LaFrance is amazing, too. She made paintings from memory, recalling her childhood in rural Kentucky. The little figures of children holding hands in a circle or walking together or running in the field all help tell a sweet story, even just with two colors and very minimal details.
I also showed my daughters some inspiration on Pinterest (here, here, here), and they immediately started making really cool little ballerinas and people having fun.
All you need is two or three marker colors. (Sharpie hits different for some reason, though 🤪) Start with the little bodies, or with a tutu, or with a head, and just see what happens!
Some improvements to stick figures that pack a big punch:
adding feet and hands (even just ovals)
adding other people to relate with
making different positions and movements
adding outfits (even if it’s just a blob of color) or maybe hairstyles
using more realistic proportions of arm/leg length
We recently started an art club with some friends, and making better stick figures was one of the projects we worked on.
It’s really fun and simple; I hope you try it! See if your child can tell you stories about what’s going on in the drawings…you might find yourself enjoying it too!
I hope you have a great weekend. Starting Monday, I’ll only be posting once per week!
Warmly,
Hope from Family Scripts