Visual Arts

Our Year 7 Visual Art students have embarked on an exciting exploration of Melbourne’s art history, diving into the world of The Heidelberg School, known as the pioneers of Australian Impressionism. 

As part of their project, students have been experimenting with warm and cool colour palette blending to capture the hues of the Australian landscape.

The students were pleasantly surprised to discover unexpected colour combinations - like blending orange and blue to create a striking emerald green. This process involved experimenting with different paint brush styles and creative brushstrokes to replicate the rich textures seen in Heidelberg School paintings.

To deepen their connection with these iconic artworks, each student chose a painting from a Heidelberg artist and was tasked with repainting half of it. They used their newfound colour expertise and personal style to reinterpret the original work. The project encourages them to stay true to the landscape’s natural tones while injecting a contemporary twist with unique textures and techniques.

The students’ final artworks will be displayed alongside the original pieces, offering a visual dialogue between tradition and modern interpretation. This hands-on journey into Australian art history has not only enhanced their technical skills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the artists who shaped the nation’s visual identity.   

Sara Warner

Renae Mackay