Van Gogh Inspired Irises

Students in the senior levels studied the work of Vincent Van Gogh as part of a unit on painting. We looked at the work of Van Gogh, in particular his iris and sunflower paintings. Students completed some still life drawings of sunflowers in their visual diaries and were shown how to draw irises just like Van Gogh using black oil pastels.

Students were then shown how to use a technique known as ‘double loading’ when adding paint to their picture. Double loading involves loading two colours of paint on a brush before painting, achieving a realistic blend of colours when added to the painting. Students experimented with mixing their own colours using acrylic paint. Once dry, students then added black outlines to their flowers and leaves in the style of Van Gogh. Many students remarked how proud they were of their professional looking paintings.

Laurel Burch Inspired Cats

Students in Prep have been learning how to draw and make cats in art as part of their unit on pets. We looked at pictures and read stories about cats and discussed their features. We also looked at the work of Laurel Burch, who paints very brightly coloured and unique looking cats with lines and patterns.

Students began this project by painting flowers and leaves for their background. Once dry, students cut out their flowers and leaves and added black outlines using an oil pastel. On a coloured paper bag, students were shown how to create a cat face by cutting and sticking eyes and painting other details. Students also added paper strips for decoration to the body, as well as whiskers and ears. This was our first collage project for the year, incorporating a range of materials and techniques. Well done, Preps!

Margaret Preston Inspired Collaborative Collages

Students in grades 1 & 2 worked together to create these large-scale collaborative group collages, inspired by the work of Australian artist Margaret Preston. 

We studied the paintings of Margaret Preston, who paints bright and colourful flowers in vases with thick, bold outlines. Students used a range of materials such as paint, oil pastels and markers to create textured papers. Students were then shown how to draw different types flowers and leaves. We then cut the flowers and leaves out, mounted them on to black paper, and cut them out again, leaving a black outline around the shapes. Students were encouraged to use a range of warm and cool colours in their work. We think the results are very impressive!

Australian Animals: The Bilby

Students in grades 1 & 2 created these gorgeous bilbies as part of their unit on Australian animals. We looked at pictures of bilbies and discussed their features. We also discussed their natural habitat, and the colours and textures found in the Australian desert.

Students began this project by creating a background for their collage. On black paper, students experimented with oil pastels and crayons to achieve interesting desert-like textures. Students were encouraged to blend a range of earthy colours in their work. Students then made leaves and grass for their background using pieces of raffia. They also made textured rubbings with crayons and rubbing mats, and cut leaves to stick on their habitat. Each student then received their very own bilby to decorate. We used oil pastels and merino wool to bring our bilbies to life. Stay tuned for more Australian animals this term!

Wanted Posters

Students in grades 3 & 4 created these wanted posters as part of their unit on Australian bushrangers. We discussed the clothing and appearance of a typical bushranger, and how to draw similar features in our wanted portraits. 

Students learned how to draw a basic portrait, starting with a 'U' shape for the head. Students were shown how to draw a cross-section of the face, and the correct placing of the facial features. Students were then encouraged to add details to their character, such as clothing, a hat, glasses, scars, etc. Students used coloured pencils and fine liners for their portrait, and tea stained paper with torn edges for added effect. One of the most enjoyable parts of this project was seeing the creative names the students came up with for their bushranger. A fantastic effort by all!