Year 4 students recently completed these lovely bird collages. First, they observed photographs of a range of birds, drawing on black paper, then added details of pattern and colour with oil pastels. Next, they spent a lesson learning how to blend acrylic paints, choosing two primary colours and blending them to create a secondary colour. Lastly, they cut and pasted their bird drawings onto their painted background. They carefully composed their pictures, giving consideration to visual conventions such as the relative size and position of objects in the picture.
We examined the carved wooden sculptures of Tiwi Island artists and the whimsical ceramics of Polish-American artist, Barbara Kobylinska, featuring birds as their subject matter. Students are currently sculpting their own birds using sustainable materials. They are learning how to use the papiér mâché technique, with recycled newspaper, cardboard and cartons, a bottle for an armature, and creating beaks, wings and tails in a multitude of forms. Artists are resourceful!
Mrs Ann McDermott
Junior School Specialist Teacher (Visual Arts)
