This week Indigo class had a visit from Peterborough based artist Tony Nero! Tony has been an artist for many years and is on the committee for the Peterborough Artists’ Open Studios. He exhibits regularly and visits other local arts events with his camera, documenting as he goes. Tony spoke to us about his work and the techniques he uses, and showed us some of his paintings.
A big thank you to Tony for joining us- it was a really interesting evening!
This week our students have been investigating the work of American sculptor Alexander Calder, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential sculptors of the twentieth century.
Our reception, year 1 and year 2 artists discussed Calder’s preference for primary colours and identified some of the shapes he used in his work. We made our own sculptures using aluminium wire and shapes which we cut from craft foam.
Our year 3 and 4 artists made similar sculptures- we decided to use a wider variety of colours for our own interpretations of Calder’s work!
Our year 5 and 6 artists and some of our Arts Award students focused on Calder’s wire portraits. We looked at different examples, then practised creating a portrait from one continuous line using fineliners on paper. We then created portraits of our own using coloured aluminium wire. We got some great results!
This week, Sapphire class went on a trip to Stamford Arts Centre to see an exhibition of GCSE Art and Photography work. We chose pieces that particularly appealed to us, and we have written reviews of the exhibition for our Arts Logs (below).
‘We visited Stamford Arts Centre and looked at some GCSE students’ artwork. We took photos of some of our favourite pieces of artwork. We found out about creative classes that run at Stamford Arts Centre. I chose two pieces as my favourite- one was so detailed and the colours were blended to seem like a night sky and the other was crazy and chaotic which made me like it even more. On the whole I thought that everything was good but there could have been more paintings and not pictures. I thought everything was laid out personally (as the artist would have wanted). I would recommend this exhibition because it is a chance to see the varieties of different artworks. It has some very different styles.’
‘It was very interesting to see kids’ creativity. We all took photos of different unique artwork. We all had different opinions on the artwork. We found out about creative art classes that take part in the centre. My favourite picture was the unicorn because it has very simple colours, but it looks so detailed and serene. Everything was very good, the set up was perfect and all the art was different so it was amazing to see young people’s creativity. I would recommend it to others because it is a chance to see young people’s artwork actually displayed in an art gallery. You could also be inspired by them.’
We went to Stamford Arts Centre to look at GCSE artwork photos and pictures. It was fun to go to the exhibition, I would recommend it. The pictures I looked at were bright and bold to capture your eyes. I chose my favourite- I liked it because it was unique and the texture on it was good. It was all done by paint. The exhibition could be better because it should have more artwork and more painting than photos, and less gory work. If the work is gory, maybe there should be a sign to say it’s gory. I would recommend it because it’s stuff you don’t really see every day so it will be exciting to go there. Also you could get inspired by the artwork to do more art.’
‘My group visited Stamford Arts Centre. I wasn’t able to go but they showed me some pictures, they saw an exhibition of GCSE art. I really like the unicorn because I love how the background blends in.’
Sapphire class took part in a workshop run by the wonderful Clare from Paisley Art this week! We learned how to create beautiful beetles using inks- we especially enjoyed using pearlescent colours to add a shimmery quality to our work.
Clare runs wonderful adult art classes- you can find out more about them on her Facebook page, Paisley Art.
A big thank you to Clare for visiting- we really enjoyed the session!
Our Silver Arts Award group have been working very hard on Unit 1 of the award over the last few months, planning and completing an arts challenge. We identified a challenge that appealed to everyone- to produce an illustrated poetry anthology as a group. This allowed us each to develop our personal skills in a chosen medium, whilst also working collaboratively to produce our anthology.
We would like to share our finished pages with you- we are really pleased with the result, and the printed version looks great!
Our three Arts Award groups are hard at work again this term! Our Silver level group, Indigo class, are working towards Unit 1 Part D, which involves researching artists, arts organisations, training opportunities and career progression. Cyan class are also researching artists who inspire them for Part C of the Bronze level award.
Sapphire class are working on Part B of the Bronze award, for which they will be experiencing various art events including exhibitions and workshops- this week we visited the Tate Modern and National Gallery in London and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, all through the magic of virtual reality!
Sapphire class had a go at encaustic art this week! We learnt how to apply molten wax to special paper using a craft iron, trying various techniques to get different effects. It was tricky to get the hang of but we ended up with some great results!
Indigo class visited Stamford Arts Centre this week for a sneaky private view of the Welland Valley Arts Society’s exhibition! It was great to have the opportunity to see the fantastic range of work on display. We’ll be writing a review of the exhibition as part of our Arts Award work.
This week, Cyan class visited Stamford Arts Centre to see the Habitat exhibition by Rutland and Stamford Embroiderers’ Guild. We spoke to two members of the guild about their work and asked them questions about their materials and processes. We enjoyed a demonstration of tying French knots, and were even given some embroidery thread and beads so that we could have a go at some of our own!
Sapphire class worked on their drypoint intaglio printmaking project this week. We inked up our acrylic plates using scrim, then wiped the excess ink away to reveal the design we scratched in last week. We then ran the plate through the printing press, transferring the image onto heavyweight paper. We got some lovely results!
Indigo class have been working on a self-initiated project to create an illustrated poetry anthology. This week we finished off our individual illustrations, then discussed the layout and paper stock we’d like to use for the printed book. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished results!
Our talented Arts Award students from Cyan and Sapphire class received their Explore level certificates this week! They’re now working towards the Bronze level award, which is the equivalent of a lower grade GCSE. Keep up the good work!
Artivity 