bears & cityscapes 2

The y1's have been reading 'Peace at Last' by Jill Murphy. So we decided to have a go at drawing bears - they did a 'before' picture and then with some simple guidance as to shapes they created some much more recognisable images.

They then used clay to sculpt some semi-relief bears, using similar shapes.

The y6's have followed up their James Rizzi inspired sketches with 3d card models. We've decided the next step is to create them in clay! we might even go so far as to create slab containers and paint them in a 'James Rizzi' style!!

collage & drawing

Our y1's have completed their collage self-portraits - not bad for 5 yr olds.

The y5's have been looking at the work of 'Futurist' artists (Boccioni, Balla etc.) from the early 1900s. And, using their card 'mannequins' that they made last week, they've drawn images of figures, trying to make them look dynamic and active. 

timeline

Today I've been busy putting up an art timeline around the room. I've tried to place the artists according to the timespan during which they were active - its not precise! Its simply to inform the children of the approximate era in which certain well-known artists plied their trade.

 

The timeline stretches around 3 sides of the room beginning with the Romans at 0! I'm not going to extend it BC but am putting up pictures that represent Greek, Egyptian and 'cave' art in the windows on the 4th side, immediately prior to the timeline start (if that makes sense).
It all took far longer than I thought it would - having to print out each artists label, find suitable artworks, print them out, trim them and then finally blu-tack it all in place! Tomorrow I'm planning to unpack, assemble and become familiar with the new kiln!

abstract journey

 

Last week I had the privilege of working with a real, bona-fide artist - Brian Sayers. A select group of sixth form students and staff were treated to 3 days of expert tuition centred around our interpretations of one of the largest collections of still life bits and bobs I have ever come across. Centred in the room it resembled the barricade from Les Mis. There were musical instruments, skulls, old frames, ribbons & scarves, dried corn stalks & husks ,chairs, cardboard boxes, artists mannequins, bottles, glasses, tea cups, maps etc. I think the prop department had been well and truly raided. Initially we were encouraged to draw anything from the artfully arranged pile. Then, through careful guidance, we were directed to cut, chop, and paste our drawings into altered assemblages and add paint, inks and pastels. This was way out of my comfort zone. I was at first very reluctant to cut anything but, having seen the gusto with which my fellow 'artists' attacked the task, I felt inspired to give it a go. They were busily and happily working to A1 size whilst mine eventually came out to A4! This is my final piece;

 

 

A lot of other stuff happened to get to this stage - I initially went for the tea cups and did a variety of studies from different viewpoints, this led on to studies of wine bottles and glasses as a direct contrast, which led me on to a representation of the sights and sounds of a smoky jazz café. Which all led eventually to the piece as pictured. In my mind it was supposed to represent the journey we all take from birth to death (from one box to another) - but that it should be taken with as much fun and enjoyment as possible along the way!
I thoroughly enjoyed having the time, space and freedom to explore lots of different ideas - something that rarely happens during the school day. Brian proved a very knowledgeable and humorous practitioner and I'll certainly be taking some ideas and concepts back into the classroom. Time, methinks, to start amassing an eclectic collection of pieces ready for when I move into my new art room in a few weeks(?) time.

picasso

Just been to a Picasso exhibition - early 20th century stuff. A very good overview of his work at the time and the influences he had. Charts his work just before he turned to his more recognisable 'style'.

Sort of ties in nicely with the 'cubist' figures I've been making of late.

auction pt2

No names to choose from on this one - any ideas?!

art week 2

More pics from our Big Arts Week - bits of the exhibition we're holding this next week.

This is an image that was split and then colured separately before being pieced together again.

I decided to display it in isolation on one large wall - not sure whether it works though.

On Friday my class looked at the work of Escher. We created tessellations in his style;

One of the younger classes experimented with 'Jackson Pollack';



Another Pollack inspired piece;

But done a very large scale - it fills a wall! I'm half expecting to walk in on Monday and find it on the floor as it was a bit of a devil to put up. They did well to dodge the rain on Friday to create this piece. Great fun was seen to be had squirting paint straight from the bottle, rolling wheels covered in paint and generally dripping and splodging. This pic was taken from my classroom window ;

artist visit

Today our school hosted Sue Deighton - an UK-based artist. She began the day by delivering a couple of presentations to the whole school - a thoroughly entertaining start for the children. Not only did they learn about her techniques and style of working but were treated to a wealth of stories about her encounters with various animals - elephants figured largely! She spent most of the day working intensively with classes and small groups.

All of the children enjoyed her visit tremendously and went away with new-found knowledge and 'tricks of the trade'. They produced some wonderful pieces, which when dry, will make for a fantastic display.

Thankyou Sue for a terrific day. (nb. Mustn't forget Chris, her husband, who lends an extra pair of hands and ensures everything keeps on track, running smoothly - a marvellous double act!).