Week 3

Have started observational sketching. Getting the children to really look at the shapes and angles of the object they are sketching. To start with the objects were drawn after a glance or traced around. The quality of drawing improved after demonstrating how to look at one point on the object and getting the eye to move around the perimeter. Observational sketching will become a regular part of the art day.

I also showed the children how to draw a person using the formula of 7 parts. The had to use a ruler to measure 7 even parts, then rule straight lines across the page, a lesson in itself. This was a step by step process to draw a person. After they had followed the instructions the children were expected to draw their own person. It was very satisfying to see the people they drew were in much closer proportion then prior drawings.

Colour theory was also a big part of the learning. We discussed the primary colours (yellow, blue and red). I gave them a large paper, yellow, red and blue paint and 3 paint brushes. We painted the 3 colours separately (so the colours were clean) on the paper then let them mix the colours. It was a delight to hear the conversation and surprised expression as they made green, purple and orange. For the rest of the session they children covered the paper with different blended colours.

It became obvious the children were taking risks with the colour blending and really thinking about the paints they were applying to the paper. They were looking at each others painting and trying to blend the colours that appealed.

Initial Lesson- study Henri Matisse and telling stories through pictures

We looked at photography and what makes a good picture. We identified the line of thirds and talked about colours. Some of the children had never used a camera before and were very keen to take photos. What is special was the theme for the day and the children had to list or draw things that are special to them.To get some images to help the children plan a composition, they went around the school taking photos of special places and people.

We then discussed the art Henri Matisse and looked at some of his paintings. We made up stories about the people/person, using the objects and setting in the painting.

The purpose of this is to develop an understanding that paintings/pictures tell stories.

Lunchtime - the time went so quickly ... work in progress...

Week 2:
We learned how the draw faces. The children did an initial drawing of a face. Working through a simple process of demonstrating and the children following we worked the dimensions of the face. Instead of using pencils, I gave the children yellow and red paint and a brush. They had to draw a face and fill in the shin and hair. They were very proud of the results. By using the paint the children could not make the face too small and the line could not be rubbed out. They were careful to start but soon became more confident with making the lines and shapes.