Jacob Lawrence’s
Artistic Process
Jacob Lawrence was inspired by other visual art forms as well as the Harlem Renaissance. While he drew on various sources in his process, he ultimately wanted The Migration Series to function as a single, visually unified work of art.
This section explores Lawrence’s artistic process, approach, and style that he wove throughout the 60 panels.
Storytelling and Narrative Sources
Jacob Lawrence was inspired by storytelling techniques from other forms of art, such as film and literature, and used them in his artwork.
Learn more about how these influences impacted “The Migration Series.”Lawrence's Process
Investigate how Jacob Lawrence researched, drew, and then painted The Migration Series panels.
Examine how Lawrence used a limited color palette and flat shapes to unify his panels.Harlem Renaissance
The Harlem Renaissance’s musicians, muralists, and philosophers influenced Jacob Lawrence.
Learn more about the leading thinkers and artists in Harlem.