CCPSArt

Year 6 have been working through a creative process that has involved building on previous knowledge and skills and developing works that are truly of their own self expression. The students are excited about this project because it is all about THEM! they have been assigned the challenge of expressing who they are and giving their viewers a little insight into what makes them unique. I can't wait to see how they develop their ideas and bring it all together as an artist book.

During week 1 and 2 they explored how to make a simple concertina booklet. The students were encouraged to develop their own ideas about the shape of their booklet and were shown how to create some simple features.

Week 3 involved revisiting the proportions of the human face from Year 4. This time the students explored and compared the proportions, shapes and features of the face. We followed a step by step process which they then used in week 4 to draw an Amedeo Modigliani ( Expressionist painter) inspired self portrait from a photograph.

Student self portrait 2013

 

Portrait of Juan Gris 1915 and Jeanne Hebuterne with Hat and Necklace 1917

In week 5 the students began to use their drawings to create an etching on a flexible perspex etching plate.  Then in week 6, to allow for the printing of their etching in small groups, they began to work on a new piece of work in which they had to depict a personal object, using the visual design principle of Emphasis. The object had to be of personal significance and emotional attachement. Students were asked to bring in a photo of the object to assist them with their drawing. They will be continuing to further develop this work to form the cover of their book.

This week, Year 6 continued to work on their self portrait and etchings with the first group experiencing the process of printing for the first time on the printing press...or as one student commented "the torture machine"

It was lovely to hear the positive comments about their work when they saw their prints take shape. Comments such as: "Ooh, that is my beautiful face!" and "Wow, that looks awesome!"

Normally, students of this age are overly self conscious when drawing themselves and easily become disappointed and frustrated when their drawings don't resemble an exact version of themselves. I encourage them to focus on their lines and shapes and the overall form...most importantly I banish the use of erasers! They are encouraged to keep all their lines and use the ones they classify as errors as an opportunity to problem solve and develop ways in which they can incorporate them or use them as guides. It's a little difficult to break the habit at first, but they soon begin to see the value of not using an eraser at all.

I won't reveal too much or otherwise I will spoil our intended exhibition. I hope you have enjoyed viewing a snippet of their amazing work.

- Mrs Hiskens