Artist Raúl the Third took a unique approach with the detailed illustrations in his first book “Lowriders in Space” – instead of using expensive art pens, he stuck with over the counter ballpoint in red, black and blue ink.

That’s because kids take one look at the book and think, “Wow. I can do this, too,” said Raúl. “The book celebrates diversity and accessibility.”

On Thursday, Raúl visited Old Hammondtown School’s sixth grade classes to talk about his artwork and to inspire creativity in his captivated audience.

“Lowriders,” written by Cathy Camper, takes cues from Mexican American culture in Los Angeles, namely turning old junkers into bouncing, colorful works of rolling art. The book also borrows from Mexican mythology.

A resident of Medford, Raúl grew up in El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico, and said his artwork reflects the landscape and people of where he lives.

When he creates characters, Raúl said, “I use myself. Also my supporting cast is family, friends, teachers, community leaders. I try to instill in students to think more about their community.”

That’s because kids can often take their artistic cues from the people and characters they see in the media, who are rarely representative of the general population, said the artist.

During his school visits, Raúl gives kids a breakdown of his creative process, from pencil drawings to the final product.

While also a painter, Raúl enjoys graphic art because it opens up his work and message to a wider audience.

“I really love the diversity of audiences that I reach with books. Books have a way for me to reach more people I feel I can make a difference to,” he said.

Focusing on Mexican Americans also hits home for Raúl, who wants kids to see themselves in his art.

“It makes them feel they’re a part of the community and the country,” he said.

“Lowriders in Space” was nominated for a Texas Bluebonnet Award, and the second book in the series, “Lowriders to the Center of the Earth,” will be available in July.