Visual Arts  

PCM & PSG: Visual Arts –  Sun Ray Image

Prep CM and Prep SG students explored the concept of printing by creating vibrant sun ray images using their hands as paint tools. They experimented with dot painting by using their fingertips to make patterns that radiated from the centre of the sun. Students successfully created repetitive patterns using primary colours, enhancing their understanding of colour and pattern through playful and tactile art-making. This activity supported their fine motor skills and introduced them to the joy of expressive mark-making in Visual Arts.

1CJ: Visual Arts –  Abstract Movement Sculpture 

Year 1 students explored paper construction techniques to create their own abstract 3D movement sculptures inspired by the dynamic artworks of Jackson Pollock. They developed skills in cutting, folding, and manipulating paper strips to form expressive 3D lines, which they arranged and glued onto a foam board. Throughout the project, students learned about the art elements of line and the principle of movement, using these to create visually active compositions. They discovered three key facts about Pollock and engaged in discussions about Abstract Art and its expressive qualities. By experimenting with different ways to position their paper strips, students created artworks that captured a strong sense of movement, energy, and creativity.

2HV & 2NH: Visual Arts – Paper Bag Puppet 

Year 2 students explored a range of paper construction techniques to create mixed media paper bag puppets. They applied basic paper manipulation methods such as tearing, folding, twisting, single fold cuts, rolling, scrunching, crumpling, cutting, and bending to bring their puppet designs to life. Students considered the use of various art elements—including line, shape, space, colour, pattern, and movement—to enhance the visual appeal and character of their puppets. They also practiced effective joining techniques to securely attach different parts and embellishments. Through this hands-on activity, students demonstrated creativity, craftsmanship, and an understanding of how to combine techniques to build engaging and expressive puppet characters.

3NS & 3JA: Visual Arts – Cotton Candy Desert Chalk Drawings 

In Visual Arts, Year 3 students learned how to create depth and interest in their cotton candy desert chalk drawings by blending colours and applying shading techniques. They explored the concept of colour by carefully blending pink, blue, and purple chalk pastels to add richness and vibrancy to their artworks. Students also developed their understanding of value by using white chalk pastel to add highlights to the cotton candy and cone, helping these features stand out. Additionally, they focused on form by combining colour, value, and line to create the illusion of three-dimensionality, successfully bringing their cotton candy drawings to life.

4ME, 4JT & 4ST: Visual Arts – Picasso Faces 

Year 4 students explored and used a variety of mediums, materials, and tools to continue developing the head and facial features of their 3D Mixed Media Picasso Face Masks. They focused on applying the art elements of colour and texture to enhance their designs, ensuring their masks were vibrant and visually engaging. Students also learned how to add embellishments to increase detail and interest in their work. To conclude the task, they practiced self-assessing their artworks, thoughtfully reflecting on their creative decisions and identifying areas for improvement.

5DG & 5SC: Visual Arts – Modern Landscapes

Year 5 students explored the work of Georgia O’Keeffe and created their own modern landscapes using the art elements of line, shape, colour, value, balance, and space. They began by drawing the contour lines of hills and mountains to form the structure of their landscape. Students then applied their understanding of warm and cool colours using chalk pastels to add depth and atmosphere to their scenes. Through thoughtful composition and careful blending, they achieved a balanced and visually striking representation of the natural world, inspired by O’Keeffe’s iconic style.

6EK & 6SJ: Visual Arts – Mexican Mask 

Year 6 students created expressive emotion portraits inspired by the bold and imaginative style of Pablo Picasso. They explored the art elements of colour, line, shape, and value by using facial expressions and carefully selected colours to communicate a chosen emotion. Students applied watercolours to bring their portraits and backgrounds to life, thoughtfully choosing colours that reflected their emotional themes. They built dimension by layering darker values over dry areas and used coloured markers to add expressive lines and shapes to enhance the impact of their backgrounds. The final artworks were vibrant and emotionally powerful, demonstrating a deep understanding of how visual elements can express feeling.

Warm regards,

Adele Schofield, Visual Arts Teacher