Visual Arts & Technologies

Creative Faces Around the Junior School 

Article by Brooke Yallop, Visual Arts Leader Prep – 4  

The Junior School ateliers, pin-up boards and corridors have been transformed into vibrant galleries of portraiture, showcasing the creativity and artistic growth of students across every year level. Each display highlights a unique exploration of identity, imagination, and artistic technique. 

Our Prep students began their portrait journey by exploring shape and the colour wheel. Through bold colours and carefully arranged shapes, they created self-portraits while developing their understanding of colour relationships and composition. 

Year 1 students drew inspiration from Tim Burton in their study of abstraction and tone. They experimented with exaggerated features, expressive line work, and contrasting light and dark tones to create portraits full of personality and mood. 

In Year 2, students explored the dreamlike and surreal artworks of Michael Cheval. Inspired by his imaginative style, they created surreal family portraits that combined realism with fantasy, resulting in artworks rich with storytelling and creativity. 

Year 3 students embraced contemporary digital culture through abstract pixelated self-portraits inspired by Minecraft. Using colour, pattern, and simplified geometric forms, they transformed their features into striking pixel-inspired artworks that celebrated both individuality and innovation. 

Year 4 students investigated the work of Tom Fedro while developing their understanding of facial proportions and stylisation. Through careful observation and creative interpretation, they produced self-portraits that balanced realistic proportions with expressive artistic flair. 

Together, these displays celebrate the diverse approaches to portraiture explored throughout the Junior School. They reflect not only the development of artistic skills, but also the confidence, imagination, and individuality of every student artist. These works are now proudly displayed in time for Celebration of Learning, where families will have the opportunity to admire and celebrate the creativity and achievements of our young artists.