Welcome back. How busy we've been in the Art Room.

Week One

To start the year, students were asked to do one simple task. Draw a picture. From these creations, we formed a collage. We discussed how every single person's contribution is part of their class's story. These were gifted to the classroom teachers. Many were thrilled to see the work of their students. As you walk around the school, you will see them proudly hanging in windows and on classroom walls.

Prep

What better way to start school than by drawing and painting a large portrait of yourself?! So, we are learning to draw faces. We started by exploring faces through play. They cycled through play-based art activities centered. The children loved having the opportunity to create and play freely.

Next, we learnt about cubism and drawing ourselves in a new way. They learnt about the work of Braque and Picasso and their role in creating cubism. Students viewed faces drawn in this style.

Using whiteboards, students attempted to draw a cubist style version of their own face. Many children giggled as they drew their heads square and their eyes in two different shapes. They then played "Roll a face" to help them practise the style.

Grade 1/2

The Grade 1/2 students have been learning about photography, specifically cyanotypes and the work of Anna Atkins. Atkins is widely accepted as the first female photographer, one of the first people to use cyanotypes and the first person to publish a photography book.

She was a botanist who photographed algae using light sensitive paper. For many people, this was the first time they were able to see an accurate representation of algae (or anything, for that matter). It was an incredibly important book because now humans could rely on accurate photographs instead of potentially inaccurate illustrations.

Learn more about cyanotypes with SciShow Kids here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh0ypc7UeJw

Atkins was a nature lover, and spent a lot of time documenting the outdoors. To start this unit, students were asked to go out into the yard and look for curious things. Interesting shapes, textures and patterns. They brought their treasures back into the classroom and painted art inspired by them using blue watercolours and inks. Children could paint however they wished. Some copied what they saw before them, others painted over them, some splattered paint with them. Some just painted everything until there was nothing but blue.

Next week, we created our cyanotypes. We had some windy days, so there were some challenges, however we overcame these by inventing better ways to create and store our art while it developed in the sun.

The wow factor is second to none with this magical paper. The students collected treasures from outside, arranged them on the paper and left them in the sun. After around 10 minutes of waiting, the paper was ready to rinse. As the dye washed away, it revealed an almost perfect imprint of whatever had sat on it. You could hear students shouting "WOOOOOW" and "MINE WORKED" at the top of their lungs, but there were also some who were disappointed by the results. It was a good reminder that this paper, which has been used for just under 200 years, can sometimes be a little bit unpredictable.

Grade 3/4

Welcome to Miniopolis! This term in Art the 3/4s are shrinking down into a world of miniatures.

Students are creating an avatar for a mini human. They will name them, design a meal for them, create them a house and do a mini photoshoot.

To begin, the students painted their figure with acrylic markers and generated ideas about their character. Next, we will be building the character's home using clay. They will be hand building using different methods.

One way you can make a clay house is by using slabs and stencils. To prepare for this, students practised constructing homes. They could choose to use stencils, or go rouge. It is always exciting to see students challenge themselves and build amazing things out of paper and tape. These kinds of lessons are where we can see the magic that comes from creative children (and there are MANY at RGLPS)!

Grade 5/6

The Grade 5/6 students are learning about the art of photography. The unit began with an introduction to photography and cameras. We discussed important inventions and firsts in this artform. They experimented with iPad cameras (and their editing tools) and digital cameras (and their lack of touch screens). The students have been given time to roam around the grounds, photographing whatever catches their eye. They have really enjoyed the freedom to move slowly, looking for things they consider interesting and being mindful as they tell a story through the photos they take.

They are encouraged to:

Be considerate of others and their learning time, follow school rules.
Ask consent before photographing people. Delete the photo if they ask you to.
Photograph a range of subjects. Take time before releasing the shutter.
Care for the equipment.
Attempt to follow the photography techniques taught in class.

We will post the photos taken by students over the next few weeks.

Artwork of the Week

by Heidi F and Leo X (Art Captains)

CSEF