Art

VISUAL ARTS

At the start of 2016, the students moved into the ‘new’ and refurbished Visual Arts Block.

After 6 months of construction, the new rooms have been a ‘god send’.

A stunning plan, with additional rooms for Art and Visual Communication, along with spectacular glass windows and a gallery space for 2D and 3D Art, has given the students a professional space specifically designed to enhance their works.

It has been a positive move in which all students and staff will benefit from not only now but in the future.

With the increase in class numbers in VCE Art and Visual Communication and Design the year started with another VCE Camp at Phillip Island in February.

The weekend away was held at the St Bede’s College property - Cypress Lodge on Phillip Island. The timing of this fieldwork early in the year assisted the students with ideas for the development of their folio work. The picturesque setting enabled a direct observation of both landscape and seascape working in a variety of materials particularly paint and watercolours.

The students gained valuable experience and produced an array of excellent works!

Not long after their return the VCE Art classes visited the TOP ARTS Exhibition at Federation Square.  The exhibition has many works relating to the students folio preparation throughout the year.  In addition to a discussion of the works by Mr March, Mr Withers and Mr Harper, the students attended an hour lecture by a specialised Education Officer and several students (whose works were in the Exhibition) to aid them in their understanding of the works to be viewed.

This has again helped our students in early preparation and expectations of VCE.

Then in April the 30 plus students were given the opportunity to participate in “Life Drawing” classes at St Bede’s College.  We have been fortunate to access, once again, an experienced Life Drawing artist, Linda Robertson, to tutor our students.  Drawing the human figure from a living model – “Life Drawing” – serves as the principle discipline whereby students acquire knowledge of sensitivity to the intricacies of the human form.  They were offered a fully balanced program, drawing from both female and male models.  Tertiary entrance to Art related courses are usually determined through folio submission, and a good “Life Drawing” folio is a great advantage.

Works created during these sessions will be displayed in the upcoming Art and Technology Show in October.

So, all in all, the year has started very positively with enormous opportunities for students and staff.   Works will be constantly changing each term throughout our new gallery space so please feel free to come up anytime for a viewing.

Mr Robert Withers

Learning Area Leader

Visual Arts