If there’s one artist who proved that doodles can change the world, it’s Keith Haring! His bold lines, playful figures, dancing shapes, and bright colors are instantly recognizable — even by kids who might not know his name yet. Haring’s art feels like movement, music, friendship, and laughter all rolled into one. No wonder children connect with his style so naturally!
Keith Haring was born on May 4, 1958, and grew up loving cartoons and playful characters. Inspired by pop culture, stories, and street art, he developed his own style — one filled with joy, energy, and powerful messages. He believed art is for everyone, not just museums. He painted in parks, public spaces, hospitals, and schools, and he loved involving children in his projects.
So, what better way to honor this incredible artist than by exploring 10 kooky and creative Keith Haring-inspired art projects? Each activity encourages movement, imagination, and self-expression — just like Haring would have wanted.
Let’s get doodling, dancing, painting, cutting, and creating!
🎨 Why Keith Haring Art is Amazing for Kids
Keith Haring’s style is a perfect match for young artists because it:
- Uses bold lines — easy for little hands to draw
- Features simple shapes — great for beginners
- Celebrates movement and emotions
- Encourages imagination and storytelling
- Allows lots of color and fun patterns
- Represents kindness, diversity, and unity
And most importantly — there’s no “wrong way” to make Haring-style art. Kids feel free and confident while working in this playful style.
🖍️ 1. Bold Line Dancing Figures
Haring’s dancing figures are iconic. They look like they’re jumping, clapping, and grooving to a beat!
How to Make It
- Draw simple human figures using stick shapes first
- Add rounded outlines and thick black lines
- Fill with bright colors or patterns
- Add movement lines around arms and legs
Tip
Play music and let kids dance-pose, freeze, and sketch each other!
Skill focus: movement, observation, line confidence
👯 2. “Best Buddies” Friendship Art
Haring’s art often celebrated friendship, love, and togetherness. Kids can create two hugging or high-fiving characters.
How to Make It
- Draw two simple figures standing side-by-side
- Connect arms or show them hugging
- Color each figure differently
- Add hearts, sunbursts, or radiating lines
Lesson
Talk about friendship, kindness, and inclusion.
Skill focus: empathy, character drawing, symbolism
🚀 3. Cosmic Space Doodles
Haring loved drawing spaceships, stars, and cosmic shapes!
Supplies
Black paper + neon crayons or chalk markers
How to Create
- Draw UFOs, planets, rockets, stars
- Add little moving creatures or space people
- Outline everything in thick strokes
Skill focus: imagination, contrast, glow effects
🏃 4. Human Motion Collage (Cut-Out People)
Little artists can create jumping or running figures using cut paper — like Haring’s dancing silhouettes.
Steps
✅ Cut body shapes from colorful cardstock
✅ Arrange them to show movement
✅ Glue them on black or white background
✅ Add bold outlines with a thick marker
Skill focus: scissor control, pose building, spatial thinking
💛 5. Heart Hero Posters
Haring used hearts as symbols of love, hope, and universal kindness.
Project Idea
Let children draw characters holding giant hearts or standing inside a huge heart frame.
Add Messages
- “Spread Love”
- “Be Kind”
- “Every Heart Matters”
Skill focus: positive messages, uplifting symbolism
🎭 6. Keith Haring Masks
Haring occasionally borrowed imagery from cartoons, masks, and playful faces.
Materials
Paper plates, paint, markers, glitter, cardboard cutouts
Kids can:
- Draw big eyes & bold mouths
- Add abstract shapes
- Outline everything boldly
Skill focus: expression, creativity, mixed-media fun
🎲 7. Puzzle-Piece People
Turn Haring’s unified figures into puzzle shapes to symbolize connection and teamwork.
How
- Draw a large dancing figure
- Cut puzzle lines inside it
- Color, then reassemble
Perfect lesson theme: teamwork, cooperation, diversity
📦 8. Haring Box Sculpture
Haring even worked in 3D sometimes. Cardboard is perfect for kids to try sculpture.
Steps
- Stack small cardboard boxes
- Draw dancing figures all around
- Paint with bright acrylics
- Add radiating lines
Skill focus: building, planning, 3D art
🐶 9. Barking Dog Art
The barking dog motif appears in many of Haring’s works — it’s bold, simple, and so kid-friendly.
Project
- Draw a simple cartoon dog shape
- Add straight tail, big open mouth, and ear
- Fill with patterns or bright colors
- Add sound lines: WOOF!
Skill focus: character replication, bold graphic style
✏️ 10. Subway Chalk Art Boards
Haring famously drew chalk art in New York subway stations. Kids can mimic the chalk effect.
Materials
Black sheets + soft pastels/chalk
Create
- Draw simple dancing figures
- Blend chalk for glow effect
- Add stars, hearts, sounds like POP & WOW
Skill focus: texture play, historical context
🌟 Tips for Parents & Teachers
✔ Encourage free expression — no perfection needed
✔ Use thick markers, bright colors, and big paper
✔ Integrate music & movement
✔ Discuss themes: love, unity, anti-bullying, caring
✔ Display kids’ artwork like a gallery wall
Haring believed art is for everyone, especially children. Celebrate that spirit!