The Making of Art

Art Making and Analysis

This year art classes have been focusing on the writing process, in particular learning about analysis texts and writing about art. Students have been immersed in learning new art vocabulary in order to identify art elements and principles the artists have used to create their artworks. An artist we have been studying, namely, Pablo Picasso and his series of the ‘Weeping Woman’, one of which is currently located in Melbourne at the NGV. Learning about his styles, techniques and art forms in particular paintings and ceramics. He has influenced and has been influenced by many art movements including cubism and surrealism. Year 9 students have been writing descriptions, analysis, interpreting and making personal judgments about the oil painting he made in response to a tragic warfare event called ‘Guernica’ in 1937. Year 8 students have been learning about the origins and stages of clay, researching ceramic artists and applying hand building techniques to create a variety of clay projects including textured pinch pots, coil vases and bowls. Our next ceramic project is to create slab totem pole features decorated with the school values of Respect, Responsibility and Achievement to display in the gardens. Year 10 students have been learning observational drawing skills, understanding still life artists, concepts and creating their own composition of a watercolour still life painting. This term they have discovered the art form of printmaking and are enjoying the challenges involved with the practical studio process of designing and carving their own lino print about nature. VCE students have contributed to the proposal ideas and creative process of painting mural plans demonstrating visual imagery on our school values for the library building as well as their own individual folio themes. As the art teacher, I will also be investing my own time into creating a mosaic corresponding with the school values with the assistance of our Art Club students. For those students looking for a creative outlet and would like to join us, we meet in C3 every Monday lunchtime. It’s a great opportunity to work on class, school and personal art projects. See you there!

-Ms Schwabe