Each term, there is a theme which forms the basis for the projects the students work on. Projects are designed to be fun and to encourage students to try something new. I always try to allow scope for students to use their own imagination and decision making, while at the same time focusing on the learning outcome for the project.

Term 3 - Colour theory basics

Colour theory is a huge area of study, this term will be an introduction to some key concepts in colour theory.

We will look at the colour wheel and learn about primary, secondary and tertiary colours.
Students will also learn about warm and cool colours.
We will look at complimentary colour schemes.
We will work with acrylic paints and students will learn about mixing colours.
What we learn about colour theory will also be applied in a project using watercolours and in a printmaking project as well.

Note - Students who were enrolled in Term 1 will be given the chance to complete the project that we were unable to finish due to Covid-19.

Term 2 - Online drawing classes

Classes will be moving online in Term 2, and we will be focusing on drawing essentials. We will be looking at:

Understanding tone, value and contrast, how to use different grades of pencil to achieve more tonal range in drawing
Using a kneadable eraser as a drawing tool to create texture and highlights
A range of techniques for using oil pastels effectively
Some of the above principles will be put to use in an insect illustration project
We will look at how to use tone and contrast in a scene to make objects stand out or recede

Term 1 - Making Marks

Mark making is really at the heart of most drawing and painting and is as simple as putting a pencil or brush to paper. With so many different tools, materials and techniques, the possibilities for all sorts of mark making are endless. How an artist makes marks in their work really defines their style, and can do much to create interest, texture, expression and feeling in an artwork.

We will look at:

The types of marks an artist may use in their work- are the marks controlled, or expressive, and what effect do they create in a picture?
Some different and unusual ways of making marks, such as applying paint with a range of tools that are not traditionally used for painting.
Brush techniques with acrylic paint and using different types of brushes to create different effects.
Mark making and different effects with watercolour, learning about techniques such as making a wash, and colour bleeding.