From the Head of Visual Arts
Freya Knussen Exhibiting at NSW Art Gallery
Congratulations to Freya Knussen Year 11 Visual Arts student who has been selected as a finalist in The Young Archie 2024 exhibition. She has worked for many hours on this outstanding drawing of her friend Sophia Huckel. Freya was selected as a finalist from over 4000 entries which is an outstanding achievement in itself. The exhibition runs from 8 June to 8 September 2024, finalists are exhibited at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in a free display alongside the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes and honourable mentions are displayed at the SH Ervin Gallery alongside the Salon des Refusés.
View 2024 Winners and Finalists here
There’s More to Me
My friend Huckel is shown here in her teenage years with her signature flaming hair morphing into a ribbon that binds her body. The raven above symbolises intelligence and knowledge – attributes that she is known for. The blue jay and sparrow represent her other qualities, which are often overlooked – love, loyalty, confidence and curiosity. These two birds frantically try to unravel her, allowing her to be truly seen. The raven, blue jay and sparrow represent aspects of self that are within us all.
Expressive Landscape Painting with Artist Michael Herron
The last day of term 2, time to slack off - I don’t think so!!!!!
Students from Stage 5 Visual Arts tried something new. After spending a term dedicated to meticulously painting portraits and studying a range of styles used in modern art students put their skills to the test.
Artist Michael Herron joined the class to discuss his art practice and demonstrate how to approach landscape painting. Students were apprehensive at first, thinking it was impossible to complete a painting in a single lessons.
Michael’s painting demonstration made complex subject matter simple and achievable by working with positive and negative space. Michael mixed paint with the speed of light and applied it with a range of tools from brushes to pallet knives and scrapers.
Students worked at easels to use the motion from their bodies and capture this energy within the mark on their canvas. They were encouraged to look at composition line and tone the weight of their shadows and to be expressive with their colour choices.
Students who just a term before were painting accurate detail in portraits and layering paint with careful observation became liberated to try new techniques. Every students managed a result they were proud of. The class would like to thank Michael for being so generous with sharing his knowledge and skill as a painter, understanding he has given up his studio time to mentor the class and extend their skill base.
Poster Competition - Be an Art Activist!
The Coalition Against Violence and Abuse (CAVA) interagency group, convened by Blue Mountains Women’s Health Centre organises a number of community events to raise awareness of violence against women and children and local support services. CAVA members are currently planning for Reclaim the Night, a peaceful protest in demonstration of the right for women to move freely through public spaces at night without fear of violence.
To assist in promoting this event, Blue Mountains Women’s Health & Resource Centre has organised a Poster Competition. The winner’s artwork will be included in posters and social media posts to promote the event throughout the Blue Mountains LGA.Who can enter? School students living in the Blue Mountains, aged 5 – 18 years.
Prizes:
First Prize: Activist Merch Kit including a "Smashin' the Patriarchy" and a "Support your local Coven" T-shirt and an EVIE tote bag.
Three Highly Commended Prizes: EVIE tote bags.
Specifications: A3 drawing, painting, or digital media artwork. If a drawing or painting, a high resolution photo will need to be taken and submitted. Submit files in jpg or tiff versions. Files size should be min 1MB and max 10MB.How to submit: Students can submit one entry via: https://form.jotform.com/242061755797870
Closing date: Entries close midnight on the 1 September.
Blue Mountains Reclaim the Night 2024
When: Friday 25 Oct, 5.30 – 7.30pm
Where: Springwood Town Square, Macquarie Road
What: The event will include a Welcome to Country, speakers, performances, and a march along Macquarie Road.
Information about the competition is available at Blue Mountains Youth Facebook
Here are some examples of previous posters for inspiration:
Save the Date:
22nd November: Art and Design Awards and Exhibition, Sponsored by Dr Ken Marshall
Sally Herron
Head of Visual Arts