Art 

Well done to all the student artists who’ve maintained their creativity & demonstrated all of our PROUD values during our recent removal from the art room. During the last 2 ½ weeks students who usually learn in Art room 1 have been taking art in their classrooms which has been tricky for us all. Some classes have luckily been able to use Art room 2 when it’s not in use and I’m so grateful that the Preps were part of this lucky cohort!

During this time Preps were exploring mark making with paint and alternate tools including sponges, forks and bottle brushes. They worked collaboratively on large paper to create as many marks and textures as they could whilst also exploring colour mixing. There was squeals of delight when a new colour appeared on the paper – ‘look everyone, I’ve made green!’ or ‘I’ve made orange with my colours!’ Students were able to share their knowledge about how new colours are created from the 3 primary colours. The painted papers have subsequently been cut up and used in collage artworks. Prep students have worked hard to cut challenging shapes such as circles to create their work.

Grade 1 students have been introduced to 2 Australian artists, one from Melbourne and the other from the central desert both who have painted budgerigars. They have compared the artworks of each artist and are beginning to paint an artwork inspired by each – look out for some colourful paintings of budgies on display soon!

Grade 2 students have been studying the artwork of Mies Van Hout, a Dutch artist who has used line and colour to express emotions in her art. Students have been inspired by her use of the art elements to create their own paintings of fish using ink to paint with and oil pastel for added colour.

Grade 3 students have currently been drawing with markers in the style of Britto Romero from Brazil. They have created colourful and patterned characters which will be added to vibrant painted backgrounds once we’re back in the art room.

Grade 4 students have been painting (hats off to 4A & 4D who have painted in their classrooms!) They have been inspired by Ton Schulten - also Dutch, and his use of colour tints and shades. Students have explored colour mixing adding white for a tint and black to create a shade.

And last but not least our senior artists have been drawing birds from photo observations. They’ve been learning a drawing technique called ‘feathering’ where an artist layers lots of lines using different colours to create implied texture. These drawings will definitely impress!

What a start to the term! I’ll definitely be happy to be back in my own art space soon but thank you to everyone who has made this awkward time as easy as possible.

Justine Carlin – Head of Art