Visual Arts News

Prep

The prep students recently completed an eye-catching rainbow background, using their new knowledge of ROYGBIV (the order of the colours of the rainbow) and pattern. After reading the book “Backyard Bugs”, the preps collaged a spider body onto their background. They learnt how to create a zig-zag fold, which they used to create movable legs for their spider. Last week, the prep students were introduced to air drying clay as a medium to create sculptures. They rolled, flattened, pulled and pinched the clay to create a disk-shaped ornament. The students then smoothed the edges with water and used natural materials such as gumnuts, seeds and seashells to print patterns into their ornaments. 

Grade 1 & 2

The grade ones and twos spent a recent lesson completing their Pete Cromer-inspired collage. They cut and arranged their pre-painted shapes to form a sea lion (grade 1) or dugong (grade 2). Students added extra shapes and texture to their collage by making use of a range of textured papers. In the following week, the grade ones and twos explored sculpture using Paper Magiclay. They took inspiration from Pete Cromer’s “druids” sculptures to create their own “pet rock” sculpture. Students had the option to add googly eyes to their pet rock or paint on their own facial features. Watercolour paints were used to add colours and/or patterns to their work and students were encouraged to choose colours that represented the emotion or personality of their creation. 

Grade 3 & 4

Our grade three and four students have been finishing off their Erin Elsley inspired self-portraits. They used oil pastel on coloured paper to draw their face in the style of the artist studied. In the most recent week, they focused on symbolism, adding symbols to represent their identity. Last week, the students began a new sculpture project. They used air drying clay to sculpt a miniature door inspired by myths and legends. Students used tools to add texture and details to their door. They were also taught about the method of scoring to attach small pieces to their door. Next week they will paint their sculptures, and we can’t wait to see how they look.

Grade 5 & 6

The grade five and six students recently focused on still life drawing. They first looked at still life artworks by Linda Kruger. The students then used pastel to draw household objects, while focusing on the element of value (adding lighter tints and darker shades). In the most recent week, the grade fives and sixes began creating a steam-punk inspired robot sculpture. Students used items such as boxes, paper cups and polystyrene balls to construct their robot. They then added extra details using beads, buttons, pipe cleaners and wooden gears. The students are continuing with this project over the coming weeks.