Visual Arts News

Prep

Recently, the preps read the picture story book, “The Rainbow Fish”. After discussing the setting of the story, the students painted an ocean scene in watercolour, including features such as sand, rocks, seaweed and shells. In the following lesson, the preps decorated a template of a rainbow fish, using crepe paper scraps to create a colourful, textured scale effect. Last week, the prep students revised ROYGBIV (the order of the colours of the rainbow). Using their knowledge of rainbow colours, students used paint-slicks to colour a butterfly template, then created a background using a range of coloured lines.

One

Recently, grade one students were introduced to artworks created by New Zealand artist, Raewyn Harris. Raewyn’s artworks feature the koru plant (unfurling fern fronds found in New Zealand), which is a symbol often used in Māori artwork. Students were inspired by the artist to create their own koru designs. They used line to draw spiral koru plants, as well as other fern fronds, leaves and vines. In the following week, students painted their work, using greens and other cool colours for the ferns and warm colours for the background. Last week, grade two students completed a guided drawing of a llama. After learning about their traditional costumes, students decorated their llamas using sequins, pom-poms or wool. 

Two

Students were recently introduced to artworks created by Australian artist, Amy Gibbs.  Using her work as inspiration, they created an Australian botanical artwork. Students used oil pastel to draw a collection of Australian flowers and leaves, focusing on using different shapes and colours. In the following lesson, they used a watercolour wash in the background to complete the piece. Last week, grade two students created their own paper doll with traditional costumes inspired by cultures around the world. This was a mixed media artwork, where students had the option to choose materials such as fabric, paper, wool and/or sequins for their costume creation. 

Three

Recently, grade three students created a collage inspired by bush medicine leaf artworks by Indigenous Australian artist Rosemary Petyarre. After exploring the artist’s work, students painted either a warm or cool coloured background. They then cut out leaf shapes and created the illusion of movement by carefully deciding where to place leaves on their black background. Last week, the grade threes learnt to take elements of still life and use them as inspiration in their art. They also took inspiration from still life botanical artworks by Tiffany Kingston. Students created still life drawings of potted plants, which they will continue working on and adding colour to this week. 

Four 

Grade four students recently created a bold and expressive cherry blossom artwork by exploring different techniques and textures. They used cotton tips to add the texture of the petals to their work. Students also learnt how to use value and create their own tints and shades of pink. In more recent lessons, the grade four students learnt how to use one-point perspective to draw an aquarium scene with depth. Students learnt that all lines needed to go back to the vanishing point, and used this knowledge to create a checker-board pattern on the floor. They drew a range of sea-creatures in their aquarium and will complete the colouring of the artwork this week. We can’t wait to see them! 

Five

Recently in visual arts, grade five students used their knowledge of shape to create two rows of buildings/cottages, folding their paper in half to create both a “warm” and “cool” side.  They used watercolour pencils to outline their buildings on each side in either warm or cool colours. Students then used watercolour paints to create colour gradients on their buildings and sky, completing these eye-catching artworks. Last week, grade fives explored graffiti-styled lettering and followed a guided drawing to create their own names in this style. They also explored symbolism in their piece and will continue to add colour to their work this week. 

Six

Grade six students have been working on a vase sculpture over the last few weeks. They used recycled materials to create the armature of their vase, then used Modroc (plaster bandage) to wrap and sculpt their piece. Students finished these pieces by painting designs onto their vases with acrylic paint. Last week, the grade six students began working on creating a reflective landscape painting that shows a contrast between warm and cool colours. 

Celebrating Peace Through Art – Grade 5 and 6 Students Shine

Over the past five weeks, our Grade 5 and 6 students have been learning about the theme of peace and expressing their understanding through powerful artworks. As part of this important initiative, they created thoughtful and inspiring pieces that reflect the significance of peace in our world.

On Tuesday, we were honoured to welcome representatives from the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), who hosted a special awards afternoon. During the event, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each grade were recognised for their outstanding contributions.

A huge congratulations to all students who participated and worked so hard on their amazing art pieces. The creativity and effort displayed made the judging process very challenging!

Thank you to all the parents and families who joined us to celebrate the students’ work—it was a wonderful way to recognise their achievements and support their learning.