Creative Voices 

Unit 3 Art - Creative Practice

Unit 3 Art students recently completed a thought-provoking artwork project that encouraged them to draw inspiration from an artist and a specific artwork while exploring an issue that was personally meaningful to them.

Through research, experimentation and creative development, students investigated a range of social, cultural and personal themes, using visual art as a powerful form of communication and expression.

This process encouraged students to think critically about the role of art in society while developing their own artistic voice and technical skills across a variety of mediums.

Unit 1 Visual Communication Design – Sustainable Design Project

Our Unit 1 Visual Communication Design students recently completed a design project focused on creating a sustainable three-dimensional object in response to a design brief.

Throughout the project, students researched factors that influence design, including social, cultural, environmental, technological and economic considerations. Using the VCD design process, they developed ideas through sketches, annotations, technical drawings and concept development before refining their final designs.

Students applied principles of human-centred and circular design, considering how products can be both functional and environmentally responsible. Their final presentations showcased creative thinking, problem-solving skills and an understanding of how design can positively influence people and the world around us.

Congratulations to all students on their thoughtful and innovative design solutions.

Unit 1 Art - Creative Practice

Students recently completed a portraiture project exploring photography, drawing and painting through the influence of significant artists and personal connection.

For Artwork 1, students used the College’s SLR camera to photograph someone special to them, drawing inspiration from Dorothea Lange. Their black and white photographs were professionally printed in the College darkroom, while the same images were also captured in colour using smartphones, allowing students to compare traditional and contemporary photographic techniques.

For Artwork 2, students selected one of their black and white photographs as the reference image for a tonal drawing inspired by Vernon Ah Kee. Through this process, students explored portraiture, expression and identity through detailed mark-making and shading techniques.

For Artwork 3, students researched the work of Rembrandt, focusing on his use of light, shadow and portraiture. Using the colour photographs from their earlier photoshoot as reference images, students created painted portraits inspired by Rembrandt’s dramatic artistic style.

This project provided students with the opportunity to develop both technical skills and creative expression across a range of artistic mediums.

Fros Stabologlou

Teacher

Julie D.

This artwork, ‘Faus(tina)’ depicts a close friend and a friendship that has spanned close to 7 years, one that has no doubt had a significant impact on the way I both view the quiet, mundane things in life and long hours of conversation between friends. 

The background behind her was painted white to keep the portrait accurate to the reference picture, but also because having other colours could potentially draw the focus away from the subject. The colour of her hoodie was also changed to a lighter colour in order to clearly distinguish the bass guitar from the fabric of the hoodie. 

Gayathry S.

My artwork, “My Mother” is a portrait of my mother. It explores the special bond I share with her and captures her as both a familiar and inspiring presence in my life. Through the use of oil paint, I aimed to create a piece that reflects her kindness, strength and importance to me. I wanted the painting to feel personal and meaningful, while also showing the care and detail that make her stand out.

I chose my mum as the subject because she is one of the most influential people in my life. Her support, love and guidance have shaped who I am, and I wanted to express that through my artwork. I used soft blending, intricate detailing and careful attention to facial expression to show her personality and the emotion behind the portrait. The oil medium was important because it allowed me to build depth and create a realistic finish. Overall, I hope the viewer sees not just a portrait, but feels the unconditional love of a mother radiating from my artwork.

Faustina N.

My oil painting, “Emily” depicts a portrait of my friend Emily gazing softly into the distance against a blank white background. This artwork allowed me to experiment with oil paints and find new ways to represent my style through a foreign medium. The piece is inspired by ideas of playfulness and youth, shown through the emphasis on soft lines/shapes, visible brush strokes, warm colours and relaxed pose. 

The composition of my work focuses solely on the face, and delicate facial features. She looks off to the side, and we are free to observe her as she is. This focus highlights the unseen beauty that comes with human connection, and the part of that which extends to one’s perception of another. My painting aims to capture what it’s like to see a loved one from your own point of view - there is softness, warmth, and connection that goes invisible to any other eye. And though it is impossible to put onto canvas the rich feeling and intricate details the mind holds, my painting is an attempt to encapsulate the fraction of fondness I can communicate visually. 

May N.

My painting is named “My Sister". It is a personal portrait that shows my close connection and my feelings and my love towards her. The main goal was to show the features of her appearance. I tried my best to make this painting represent an atmosphere of trust, warmth and our love of spending time together. 

I hope my audience will take the time to contemplate about themselves and value the people they love and that they are close to. This painting was an opportunity for me to express myself through art, depicting the people I love and conveying my profound gratitude towards my sister, who is truly important in my life.

Rachel T.

“Her Smile”, is a painting of my mother, when I took a photo of her in The Glen shopping centre. The photo of my mother was taken when we went shopping together in a mall. Although she doesn't want to take any photos at the start because she thinks that she is not pretty on that day, I still decided to take this photo. I want to tell her that the reason that makes her pretty is not because of her outfit or appearance but simply her smile. 

The painting focuses mainly on my mother’s face using the colour burnt sienna and white with a touch of blue and red to add some richness. Her smile and the eyes that were filled with love when she turned her head back to the camera made me want to preserve this moment forever. She faces the front, body facing the right of the photo with her left hand softly put behind her ears. 

The painting was not just for me to record that moment but I want to share it to the viewers of this warmthful moment. The background was painted yellow as the colour symbolises the sunshine just like how my mother always treated me with love and warmth. 

Miranda W.

My artwork “Dear Best Friend” is a portrait I have chosen to paint as a commemoration of my best friend Angelina White. Not only selected as my artwork to do oil paint in, but to showcase and represent the one friend that I bonded with the most during my first days in starting Killester College as a new student in year 8, that led us still being together in Year 11. 

At the start we were in the same homeroom together, working in groups, having and seeing each other everyday, during those times she had welcomed me with open arms and had helped me through my darkest times, whether it was struggling with my work or being by my side when I needed to vent, we joke, laugh and make each other happy over the smallest things. Even with our shared differences or interests, Angelina has still remained as my best friend and to me, I would consider myself lucky to have someone like her being a part of my life. 

I chose a soft tone, blending and light style for my oil painting journey when painting her. Being able to experiment with the different shades of paint such as burnt sienna and raw umber as my main colours when painting “Dear Best Friend”.

Lily Anh N.

My artworks, Chi Hai, all encapsulate one important figure in my life, my older sister. The silver gelatin photo, the charcoal drawing and the oil painting, they’re all my personal depictions of the kindhearted person I’m indebted to. 

In truth, I only chose her as my muse because her silver gelatin photo had come out the best. But I’m honestly glad it turned out that way. In Vietnamese, ‘chi hai’ literally translates to ‘sister 2’ but means ‘older sister’ in good English. It’s something I’ve called her all my life. However, she didn’t really feel like an older sister, but rather a parental figure. In all my artworks, I wanted to capture her essence: the fun, hardworking individual who deserves nothing less than pure happiness. I did this by making her the focal point in all my artworks, placing her in the centre of all the pieces and using elements like tone to really highlight the shadows which form the smile which always greets everyone with love.  

Natalia S.

My portrait ‘Mum’, is an oil painting of art that celebrates and highlights the important role that my mum plays in my life. In this piece I attempted to capture her warmth, strength and resilience that makes her all so special to me. I chose to paint my mum because she is someone I deeply admire and have always looked up to. 

My intention was to create a work that feels meaningful and personal, while also allowing the viewer to see the affection and significance behind the portrait. I mainly focused on her expression and the intricate detail of meaning behind it. 

In an effort to capture her character in the painting, in my art piece, she wears a bright pink shirt, a reflection of her outgoing and blissful personality. I used warm toned colour and precise brush strokes to give the work of a sense of life, emotion and connection. 

I aspire to connect the audience to my painting so they can feel the love and respect that inspired this piece. Overall this portrait is a tribute to my mum and a reflection of the importance of her in my life and how she continues to help me grow.

Yr 10 - Painting and Printmaking Monotypes

Year 10 Art students recently explored printmaking through the monotype technique, creating mixed media artworks inspired by issues that are personally meaningful to them.

Students combined acrylic paint, metal chain, air-drying clay, newspaper and coloured paper to develop artworks that raise awareness of important global issues and communicate powerful personal messages.

This project connected strongly with our 2026 theme of Justice - Serving with Courage, Leading with Kindness and Living with Justice, encouraging students to consider how art can be used as a platform for advocacy, reflection and social awareness.

Through this process, students developed both their technical printmaking skills and their ability to use visual art as a form of meaningful expression.

Yr 10 Visual Communication Design – Graphic & App Design

Our Year 10 Visual Communication Design students recently completed a Graphic and App Design project, exploring how designers use visual communication to solve problems and communicate ideas.

Students followed the design process from research and inspiration through to the development, refinement and presentation of their final concepts. They created both a book jacket design and an app design, applying design elements and principles while experimenting with a range of manual and digital techniques, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

The project challenged students to think creatively, consider the needs of their audience and develop innovative design solutions. Their final presentations showcased both their artistic skills and their growing understanding of contemporary design practice.

Yr 8 Art – Margaret Preston Inspired Paintings

Our Year 8 Art students recently explored the work of renowned Australian artist Margaret Preston, investigating her use of colour, pattern and native Australian flora as inspiration for their own artworks.

Students developed their understanding of colour theory through colour wheel and tonal studies before researching Preston's artistic style and influences. They then designed their own still-life compositions, created planning sketches and colour trials, and produced vibrant acrylic paintings featuring bold colours, decorative patterns and strong outlines.

The finished artworks demonstrate students' growing confidence in painting techniques while celebrating the unique style of one of Australia's most influential artists.

Yr 8 Textiles

Year 8 Textiles students recently completed a creative sewing project, designing and constructing beautifully hand-sewn felt purses that showcased both their creativity and developing textile skills.

Throughout the project, students learned a range of embroidery and hand-sewing techniques while experimenting with decorative stitches, unique patterns and vibrant colour combinations. Each student carefully designed and created their own purse, demonstrating patience, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The finished pieces reflect the individuality and creativity of each student, while also highlighting the skills and confidence they have developed throughout the unit.

Ms Kerrilee Pearson

Textiles Teacher

Yr 7 & 8 Visual Communication Design – Mini Me Avatars

Year 7 and 8 Visual Communication Design students recently used Adobe Illustrator to create personalised "Mini Me" avatars as part of the design process.

Students explored digital illustration techniques while developing characters that reflected their individual personalities, interests and unique characteristics. Through planning, designing and refining their work, students gained valuable experience using industry-standard design software and learned how visual communication can be used to represent identity and tell a story.

The finished avatars showcase the creativity, imagination and digital design skills of our students, with each artwork offering a unique insight into its creator.

Ms Sarah Elijah and Ms Fros Stabologlou

Visual Communication Design Teachers

Yr 7 Art – Georgia O’Keeffe Inspired Paintings

Our Year 7 Art students recently explored the work of renowned American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, known for her striking close-up paintings of flowers and natural forms. Students researched O’Keeffe’s artistic style before selecting and analysing their own photographic reference image.

To prepare for their final artwork, students developed their understanding of colour theory through colour wheels, tint and shade exercises, and painting technique workshops. They then transferred their chosen image onto canvas and created an acrylic painting using the skills and techniques they had practised throughout the unit.

The finished artworks showcase students' creativity, technical development and growing confidence in painting.