Visual Arts

Communicating with the Specialist Team

We look forward to partnering with you in 2022, and welcome your input:

Danielle Haines (Visual Arts)  danielle.haines@education.vic.gov.au 

Upwey Archies

Congratulations to everyone who entered a painting in the Upwey Archies. A special mention to Jack Carr receiving 'Highly Commended' for his painting of his sister Lucy, and Mila Biggs winning the 'Packing Room' prize for her self portrait. 

It's so amazing to see so many of our students having a go with some amazing portraits. Other entrants also include Lucy Carr, Logan Kotze, Sully Biggs, Jack Cartwright, Isabelle Hinrichsen, Lily Hinrichsen, Stevie Jones, and Otis Mackey. Apologies if I missed anyone, I intend to go wandering through the Upwey township on the weekend to check them all out. Make sure you go and see if you can spot anyone you recognise. 

An Overview of our Learning

Foundation students have been exploring the art of Alexander Calder. This American artist was famous for his abstract art with bright primary colours. The class spent some time identifying shapes within his artworks and exploring how titles of works can change our perceptions. After looking at the work 'Boomerangs and Snake' students realised the power words have to change the way we look at something, from seeing boats on the ocean to seeing boomerangs and snakes slithering.  

Alexander Calder

Boomerangs and snake c1955

Students started term 4 getting our hands dirty! Well, colourful at least. 

We have also been working on a paper collage project inspired by the picture book 'Fly Away Katie' by Polly Dunbar. Feeling a bit grey on a rainy day (just like we were) Katie decided to bring some colour and fly into her painting, spending the afternoon hanging out with the birds. Students continue to develop cutting, drawing and collage techniques in this fun paper collage project. 

The first of our ugly dolls are being completed. Each one is amazingly unique and students have learnt to embrace mistakes and solve problems as they come. I can't wait to bombard you with photos of these amazing pieces of work. 

5/6C got their chance to do our clay project at last. While the weather stopped us collecting our own materials this time there were plenty of leaves and items to use for our clay imprints. Once these have dried out it will be time to fire up the kiln at last and get them fired. While we wait for that we are working on a paper relief sculpture project that uses simple origami folds in a dynamic way. I am looking forward to getting stuck into some amazing projects with the 5/6s upon their return from camp. 

COMPETITIONS:

Wild at Art 2022: 

Throughout September and October, children aged 5-12 are invited to create an original artwork of one of Australia's many threatened native animals or plants, along with a short written component on their chosen threatened species.

More information at: https://www.acf.org.au/wild-at-art-competition