This term students have been creating artworks based around the theme of strength, taken from the Psalm,“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble” Psalm 46: 1-3. They have been learning about the life, work and techniques of Austrian Artist Gustav Klimt with a particular focus on his Gold Period. Gold is a metal which has physical strength, and also has a universally symbolic meaning of strength.

In the Junior School, P/1 students have been reading the picture book “Klimt and his Cat” by Bérénice Capatti and Shannon A. White. Using the book for reference, students were exposed to Klimt’s use of shape and line in his artworks. They also explored the medium of chalk pastel, the same medium used for the picture book’s illustrations. Students viewed the famous works by Klimt including Adele Bloch-Bauer, The Kiss, and The Tree of Life, and used them as inspiration for their own art making. Students have been experimenting with mixed media through stamping, collaging and drawing. They have been learning to identify the elements of colour, shape, line, texture and form in artworks including their own.

In the Middle School, 2/3 students have been reading the picture book “The Magical Tree” by Myriam Ouyessad. They have been learning that trees are used as a symbol of strength, with their impressive height, solid nature, and deep roots. Students have viewed Gustav Klimt's artwork, The Tree of Life, and explored its ancient meaning. They have been working on creating their own Tree of Life artwork using mixed media through drawing, painting and collage. This week in lock down, students have been practising the different techniques used by Klimt, in preparation for finishing their artwork. Some of the techniques included swirly lines, layering different rectangles and squares, and adding metallic details with tin foil.

In the Senior School, 4/5/6 students have been learning about the influence of the Expressionist and Art Nouveau periods on Gustav Klimt’s art. They have viewed works from Klimt’s Gold Period, as well as some of his most famous portraits including those of Mada Primavesi, Joanna Staud and Baroness Elisabeth Bachofen. Students have been working on creating their own portrait inspired by Klimt, of a subject (person) who has shown strength in their life. Many of the children have chosen to create portraits of loved ones close to them including their mothers, grandmothers, fathers, uncles or siblings. Other students have chosen sports stars, and other known figures including entrepreneur Elon Musk. They have been learning to portray a likeness of their subject by identifying their subject’s face and eye shape, then using a line of symmetry and eye line to map out the proportions of the face.

This term and into Term 3, a selection of students who have shown impressive skill and dedication in Visual Arts class will participate in an incursion run by a local Melbourne Artist. These students will explore the artist’s style and recreate it in an artwork to be displayed at the Trinity Art Show later in Term 3.

Next Thursday a group of 12 students will work plein air (outside) using field easels, with artist Marco Corsini and use his style of perceptual realism to portray different scenes around Trinity. In early Term 3 artist Octavia Tomyn will join another group of 12 students to create a collaborative piece, inspired by landmarks of Richmond using her continuous line style.

Zart Art is currently running a student art competition with art entries responding to the theme “Our Celebration of Australia”. Students will be encouraged to enter artworks they have made during Visual Arts lessons or Art clubs. If students would like to enter a personal artwork from outside school I am more than happy to discuss their ideas with them or they can send me an email at ghession@tcs.catholic.edu.au The artwork can be 2D (e.g. drawing, painting, multimedia / digital, sidewalk chalk drawing etc.) or 3D (e.g. sculpture, construction). One entry only per student. The National Student Art Prize will be awarded to ONE entrant, in EACH of the SIX categories as judged by the nominated judges – each will receive a $250 Zart Art & Craft Voucher and a $450 Zart Art & Craft Voucher for their enrolled School. Twenty Shortlisted Prizes will be awarded per prize category as judged by the nominated judges. Each student winner will receive a $50 Zart Art & Craft Voucher. A People’s Choice Prize will be awarded to one entrant per prize category whose work receives the most votes during the prize, each student winner will receive a $250 Zart Art & Craft Voucher.

Entries Open: 14 June 2021 at 9:00am

Entries Close: 19 July 2021 at 11:59pm

Shortlisted Finalists announced: 23 July 2021 at 1pm

People’s choice judging closes: 28 July 2021 at 5pm

National Student Art Prize Winner Announced: 30 July 2021 at 1pm

Yours in creativity,

Miss Georgie Hession

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