Visual Arts

Foundation/Grade 1's

Students have continued to learn about colores primarios y secundarios (primary and secondary colours) through various art activities. They have been encouraged to use the Spanish names for the colours, thereby supporting the learning that is occurring in their bilingual classrooms. Last fortnight, they revised the primary colours of azul, rojo y amarillo (blue, red and yellow) with a reading of 'One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish'. They were to draw and colour in larger fish and draw smaller fish to represent the secondary colours of morado, verde y naranja (purple, green and orange). Once they had completed their fish, students were to design and colour in their artwork's background, using watercolours or paint slicks. 

Here are some examples of the students' amazing artwork:

Grade 2/3's 

This term, students have continued to work on making a 3D sculpture of a bird for their 'Pajeros de la Amazonia' unit of work. We began this unit, by exploring how armatures are made when constructing 3D pieces of artwork. Unfortunately, we had to modify and adapt our plans, by resolving problems that we experienced with our original armatures. As artists, we discussed how we could proceed after experiencing a minor setback with our artwork. We then proceeded to successfully create new armatures that are now in the process of being transformed into papier-mache sculptures.

Here are some images of our new and improved armatures of our birds :

Grade 4-6's

In the last few weeks, students have been exploring conceptual art. During this unit, students learnt that when creating conceptual art, the artist's idea (also known as the concept) is the most important thing about the artwork.  In essence, what the piece looks like doesn't matter as long as the idea is clearly communicated.

Students have been inspired by the artwork of Spanish Artist Perceval Graells (who also happens to be a friend of Grade 4-5 teacher, Jose). They have thoroughly enjoyed making their conceptual art pieces; quite a number of students found it liberating and empowering to focus on their chosen idea, selecting materials and techniques that enable them to communicate their message to an audience.

Here are some of the conceptual pieces that the Grade 4-6's made during this time:

This week, students have started a new unit which focuses on learning about the artwork of 'La Feria de Abril' which is the celebration that Newlands PS will be showcasing for 'Cultural Week' this term. So far, we have been examining historical posters used in Spain to promote the event. Students have chosen a poster that they'd like to replicate and have used basic tracing methods to create a sketch of their design . Next week, students will learn how to use a range of watercolour techniques to add colour to their artwork.