Visual Arts

Foundation

Throughout this term, students have been learning all about the collage medium through the artwork of artists Matisse and Eric Carle.  Students have been busy learning how to 'usar tijerras y pegamento' (use scissors and glue) to cut different shapes and organic forms. They have built upon their knowledge of the art elements specifically contrast, repetition and balance. Consistently they have been reminded of the importance of arranging and rearranging collage pieces to make their collage look better. Lately, we have been collectively asking ourselves as artists; ¿Cómo puedo mejorar mi obra de arte? (How can I make my artwork look better?)

For the Eric Carle collage unit students mimicked his technique of making coloured paper by creating various marks and patterns with crayons and then applying a wash of acrylic paint on top to make the papers they would use.  After making these papers, students chose their favourite animal and we discussed the basic 2D shapes found within their animal's body. Students created their collages using their papers focusing on their knowledge of balance, and proportion and exploring ways to improve their artwork by asking others, themselves and me how they could improve their work. 

Students who completed their collages early also had the opportunity to paint a character from Eric Carle's famous text; 'The Hungry Little Caterpillar.'

Below are some examples of their brilliant masterpieces:  

Grade 1/2

Recently the Grade 1/2's have been exploring the world of mixed media creating a Seascape-inspired piece. As part of this mini-unit of art, students were exposed to the wet-on-wet technique using watercolours. They manipulated the paint and how it moved on their paper using a brush and laying paint onto another colour. They were amazed to witness how the paint mixed and dripped into one another to create interesting effects. After, this they were to add salt to their paint to create another effect which makes the watercolour look as though it is bubbled. Once the students had painted their background, they had to refer to different marine animals that might live in their sea scene. 

For this unit, students were exposed to the Spanish terms for Animales de Mar (Sea Animals). We played a game of ¿Que animal es este? focusing on different sea animals such as pez (fish), cangrejo (crab), estrella de mar (starfish), cabillito de mar (seahorse), ballena (whale) and tiburón (shark). Students then were to choose one sea animal that would be the focus of their artwork and using oil pastel they were to draw it on a piece of paper and then cut it out and stick it on.

Below are some students proudly share their artwork from this unit:

Grade 3/4

The Grade 3/4's have had the monumental task of creating their plush felt monsters. They have been actively involved in each stage of the making of these 3D textile pieces. Beginning with the designing phase, followed by pattern making, pinning and trimming the felt, stitching their monster, stuffing it with hobby fill and finally adding extra details using buttons, googly eyes and other embellishments. 

As part of this unit, students built upon their knowledge and use of sewing. The focus was to assist students in learning how to use a simple running stitch. However, some students elected to extend themselves and have a go at using a blanket stitch, they also slowly became more proficient in tying knots. Overall, all the grade 3/4's worked hard and were super persistent when making their monsters. I'm so proud of how far they have come with their sewing techniques. 

Here are some students showing off their monsters:

Grade 5/6

Finally, the Grade 5/6's have completed their massive Steam Punk construction unit using cardboard, cogs, paint and rub n' buff to create a teleportation device of a bygone era. Students were posed the challenge of making a teleportation device inspired by this year's concert. They were exposed to a range of different examples of Steam Punk models, paintings, installations and artworks to inspire them.

Here are some of the magnificent examples of the artwork that the students have made: