Elliot Ryan Art

This project consists of one or two lessons focused on mark making. The concept introduced is that numerous works of art can be made without traditional paintbrushes. Students engage in a hands-on approach, experimenting with various materials dipped in black paint. A selection of items—such as pen lids, batteries, screws, springs, sticks, cotton buds, elastic bands, and forks—are available for use to produce a variety of marks. Students can utilise cut-out square cards for their experiments, leading to quickly filled drying racks. The objective is to demonstrate that brushes and pencils are not the only tools available for creating art. As a result, some interesting and unique marks are achieved.

This project integrates hand-drawn elements with Photoshop techniques. Students can create various types of houses, which ties into their Victorian studies in history lessons. Upon reflection, the designs may resemble Dutch architecture more than traditional Victorian styles. The initial phase involves researching typical Victorian homes and incorporating those characteristics into a meticulous design of a traditional Victorian terrace on a net layout. This drawing is then outlined with fine liner pens, emphasizing neatness and detail in the task. After outlining, each design is scanned, leading to the next phase involving Photoshop. Pupils will learn to utilize the software to apply color, layering, and editing techniques. Ultimately, the designs are printed on appropriate A3 cardstock, cut out, and assembled into 3D structures.

This project encourages children to observe similar hues of color and the subtle variations between shades of blues, reds, and so on. The initial step involves selecting a well-known painting or image and pixelating it using photo editing software like Photoshop. The image is then divided into 10 x 10 cm grids, which are cut out. Each child receives a 10 x 10 cm squared empty grid, photocopied onto watercolor paper. Their task is to match the corresponding colors meticulously, ensuring that the final piece comes together cohesively. This activity also enhances their brush skills by helping them focus on precise areas while staying within the lines. The children enjoy the surprise of seeing the final image connected, and it can be engaging to have them guess what it is until the end.

This project is engaging and allows children to experiment with a variety of materials. Start by preparing an assortment of paper or card strips for their experimentation. These can be in various shapes, although long rectangles tend to serve well as 'sample' pieces. Next comes the fun and mess! Gather an array of items including paints, sand, coffee beans, foil, inks, fabrics, pastels, cornflakes, beads, matchsticks, glue, string, and anything else you can find. Encourage the children to try mixing different materials, such as blending ink with sand or crushing pastels and cornflakes with glue. While some combinations may yield interesting results, others might not. Ultimately, the outcome will provide a range of fascinating textures, colors, and mixed media samples that can be explored and discussed afterward.

These authentic-looking propaganda posters were crafted through a combination of hand-drawn designs and Photoshop for editing, coloring, and adding a worn-out appearance. Initially, the children examined various propaganda examples to discern the messages being conveyed. They analysed how these materials sought to persuade individuals to enlist or contribute to the war effort and contemplated the manipulative aspects of such messaging. Subsequently, they brainstormed their own compelling slogans. The next phase involved using Microsoft Word to determine the layout of text and imagery, carefully considering font styles and positioning. Once finalised, the designs were printed, meticulously traced with fine liner, and then scanned for further enhancement in Photoshop, where colour was added. The final results are truly impressive!

These insects were developed following a study by the children on creating intricate patterns and detailed penwork. They dedicated considerable effort to ensure their designs were unique and highly detailed. After selecting their favorite patterns, they applied these designs onto insect templates before carefully cutting them out. The finished pieces look fantastic displayed in box frames!

This project is an excellent opportunity for children to effectively use watercolour pencils. With a diverse collection of famous paintings—from Van Gogh and Monet to Doig and Hockney—students can select a piece that inspires them. They will then use watercolours to replicate the intricate details present in the artwork. It is crucial for them to observe the multitude of colours existing within the smallest sections of the paintings. This closer examination leads to impressive accuracy in their reproductions, often surprising me with the results they achieve.

This project serves as an engaging display, capturing the interest of students as they explore maps in their Geography lessons. It allows them to create their own 3D contour models. Begin by selecting a sturdy card, ideally between 280-360 microns in thickness. Design a large, interesting base contour shape, as this will dictate the form of the subsequent layers.

After cutting out the first contour, trace it onto another piece of card and cut it out again, this time 1 cm inside the original lines to create a smaller contour. Repeat this process 5 or 6 times, each time reducing the size of the contour. To achieve a three-dimensional effect, have the children use small pieces of foam board and apply pritt stick between the layers. Experimenting with various shades of green or grey can yield visually appealing results. The final product is consistently impressive.

Sewing stuffed toys remains a beloved activity. Throughout the years, we have crafted stuffed food items, aliens, and emojis. I typically prepare a range of templates to assist children, many of whom are new to sewing. I walk them through each step, from cutting out templates to tracing them onto felt, cutting the pieces, and ultimately threading a needle to sew. We explore techniques such as neat running stitches, over stitches, casting off, and attaching buttons and beads. This project serves as an excellent opportunity to enhance manual dexterity.

An essential aspect of art education is mastering the skill of accurate drawing. This process can often be both frustrating and challenging, especially when trying to convey a three-dimensional essence in a two-dimensional medium. A practical method to introduce children to this skill is by arranging geometric shapes under a lamp in a darkened room, allowing them to begin drawing from observation.

Begin the lesson by demonstrating your approach to drawing the shapes in front of you. Start with scale; it is crucial to ensure that the drawing is not too small. Next, focus on angles and discuss the concept of perspective, including the importance of parallel lines for maintaining accuracy. It may require considerable time for students to outline the shapes correctly, including ample erasing and redrawing as they refine their work.

Once the outlines are completed, the focus should shift to incorporating shade and tone. Discuss where to find the core shadow, cast shadow, highlights, and mid-tones. With a variety of graphite pencils, students can create impressive observational drawings, developing their skills further in the process.

Another engaging project focuses on the creation of intricate, repeated patterns. Print an A4 sheet featuring six squares designated for pattern work. Encourage children to design their patterns extending beyond the edges of the squares. This technique will give the illusion that their patterns are part of a larger continuous design once cut out. Provide a selection of vibrant color pens and sharpies for enhancement. After completing their designs, children can select their favorite patterns, cut them out, and mount them onto black card stock. The finished products make excellent bookmarks.

Tonal graphite pencil portraits require students to meticulously replicate the complex tonal qualities of a well-known celebrity's photograph. Each student is given one half of the celebrity's image to thoughtfully analyse, and then they proceed to draw a tonal version on the opposite side of their workspace. The primary focus lies on accurately capturing the proportions and tonal values to create a believable and realistic representation, allowing the students to develop their artistic skills further.

This project is enjoyable and allows you to utilise leftover pieces of paper or card. Begin by examining the collage work of Matisse, which is both straightforward and impactful. Encourage children to cut out shapes while also saving the surrounding pieces. Start by placing these cut shapes onto a sheet and arrange them into an engaging composition without overanalysing the process. Afterwards, have a discussion about the various elements visible in their creations—perhaps someone will see a snail, for example.

This activity is highly effective when focusing on color rather than attempting to replicate an entire painting or drawing. Obtain some well-known artworks and divide them into sections. A size of A3 works well when cut into eight parts, but larger puzzles with over 200 parts can also be created. Rearrange the sections so that the children remain unaware of the final image. This encourages them to focus solely on the colors and patterns within their assigned section. Provide them with the corresponding part, and they will replicate what they observe. The images portrayed were created using watercolor pencils, but you can use paints or any medium you prefer. Once finished, assemble all the sections to unveil a remarkable collaborative project!

These cardboard cactus and succulent projects are among my favorites! Start by examining various examples of cacti and succulents to explore the wide range of shapes and sizes available. Sketch your plant pieces onto thick cardboard, such as old boxes, without worrying about achieving perfection. Carefully cut out the shapes and paint both sides using colors and patterns of your choice. Additionally, paint a piece of thin cardboard to create a pot. Once everything is dry, assemble the pieces like a jigsaw puzzle and use glue guns for added support and strength. The final touch is to embellish them with pom-poms, beads, and pipe cleaners to give them a funky and exotic appearance. This is an excellent project for a class or installation/display!

Using foam board is an effective method to introduce children to the principles of printing. I typically start with an abstract design, allowing them to become familiar with the process of making marks on the foam board. This task can be more challenging than it appears, so an abstract approach often yields better results. A regular, sharp drawing pencil works well for creating impressions in the foam board, but it’s important to ensure they don’t penetrate all the way through. After preparing the board, the next step is to demonstrate how to use inks—spreading them out on palettes for an even application and keeping some rollers clean for dry rolling. Enjoy!

This project is both simple and effective. Children can create individual small tape paintings or work together on a larger, collaborative piece. It is often conducted at the conclusion of a colour studies unit, allowing students to deepen their understanding of colour blending and gradient creation. Begin by providing plenty of thin masking tape or washi tape to section off a piece of watercolour paper. Ensure the tape is well-smoothed out before the painting begins. Encourage students to paint over the tape, as this will yield crisp sections of colour once the tape is peeled away at the end.

Working with clay allows children to foster various skills, including sensory development, motor skills, self-esteem, self-expression, and problem-solving abilities. Over the years, I have created clay masks, tiles, and pots, demonstrating its potential for cross-curricular integration with topics such as the Stone Age, the Aztecs, and the Day of the Dead. This specific project focuses on creating unique marks and patterns on clay shape tiles. I prefer using air-dry clay, as it is more straightforward than utilizing a kiln. After children have the opportunity to explore the clay, I cut out circular and square tiles for them to decorate. They can use an assortment of objects, such as screws, sticks, batteries, pens, cogs, and buttons, to make impressions in the clay. Once the clay dries—typically within three to four days—they proceed to paint and glaze their creations.

Instead of discarding old maps, consider transforming them into unique pieces of art. I often discover old maps online or scan them from books. I then guide children in using compasses to draw various circles on these maps—some large and some small. Afterward, they can colour in the sections, creating vibrant displays. The final artworks look impressive when displayed together. I've also applied this technique to old sheet music, making it a fantastic project for helping children become familiar with compass usage as well.

These tonal collages represent one of my favourite projects, though they can be somewhat tedious due to the time required for completion. I typically undertake this project after teaching children how to draw tonal shapes, as this enhances their understanding of shade and tone. The initial step involves drawing the shape or shapes on paper or card, keeping the size to a maximum of A5. I then utilize bags filled with shredded tones. To prepare, I print out 7 or 8 different A4 sheets of various tones ranging from light to dark, each displaying different marks. After shredding the A4 sheets into strips using a shredder, I place them in separate, numbered bags. The students are instructed to number their drawings and identify the lightest areas, mid tones, and darkest areas. They can then select the strips of tone, applying them with a pritt stick by trimming and gluing them down. The final results are visually striking when viewed from a distance.

This is an engaging activity for children, yielding impressive results. As part of an artist study unit focused on modern artists, we explore the work of Damien Hirst and create spin paintings inspired by him. To replicate this at home or in an art room, acquire inexpensive salad spinners, approximately £5 each. Cut out circles from card to place in the bottom of the salad spinner. Add a small amount of paint—not too much initially—secure the lid, and begin spinning! A blend of poster paints, acrylics, and fabric paints can be used for varied effects. Once done, open the spinner, add more paint if desired, and continue spinning. When satisfied with the outcome, carefully remove the painted circle from the spinner. You will have your own unique spin art ready to be framed—it's that easy!

This project features hand-drawn elements incorporated with Photoshop. Provide each child with an A4 sheet of paper where they can design their own futuristic city or skyline. Expect to see imaginative concepts—like skyscrapers shaped like burgers, trees, and aqua slides linking different structures. Once the children have sketched their buildings lightly, instruct them to outline their drawings with fine liners. They can then scan these images for use in Photoshop. In Photoshop, demonstrate how to work with layers, add colours, and apply gradients before printing the final designs on A3 card stock. The final step involves cutting out the buildings and layering them to create a vibrant and intricate futuristic city filled with colour.

These sea creatures are crafted using PVA glue, tissue paper, and a plastic zip wallet. Begin by drawing or tracing a template of your chosen sea creature onto an A3 sheet of paper (you may opt for any animal theme). Next, take A3 plastic zip wallets, cut them in half, and discard the zip. Use a permanent marker to trace the design onto the plastic wallet.

The next step is enjoyable. Generously apply PVA glue over the design and start layering pieces of tissue paper. After completing the first layer, apply another coat of glue and add another layer of tissue paper. Repeat this process until you have achieved 4 to 5 layers, finishing with a final layer of glue. Allow the creation to dry for 2 to 3 days, then cut out your sea creature from the plastic sheet and discard the excess plastic. You will be left with a vibrant tissue paper sea creature. Finally, add intricate details using metallic pens.

Using basic materials, you can create a visually appealing stained glass window project. Start by having children design their own windows on A3 paper. Provide them with a variety of references and resources to inspire their creativity, along with options for frames to help them understand scale.

Once the designs are complete, have the children trace their drawings onto a cut-in-half plastic zip wallet using a permanent black marker. Afterward, they can use Sharpies to fill in the sections with colour.

When the colouring is finished, cut out the designs and adhere a sheet of tin foil behind each one. To finish the project, create a black card frame, resulting in a beautiful stained glass window that they can proudly display.

Students are presented with a diverse assortment of natural images that showcase an array of colourful fruits, various vegetables, and unique shells. They have the option to either utilize a grid method for more precise replication or draw freely, depending on their individual confidence levels and artistic preferences, to recreate the image in their own style. Participants can choose to work with different mediums for their artistic creations, including graphite pencil, vibrant watercolours, fine pens, or even a thoughtful combination of these materials to enhance their work.

Quilling involves rolling narrow strips of paper into coils or scrolls and arranging them to create intricate designs. To engage children in this art form, prepare a template that outlines a specific shape or pattern for them to follow. While quilling pens and boards are available to assist in holding the rolled paper before adhering it, using one's hands is equally effective. This technique is notably delicate, and many children find it to be a calming activity. It is an excellent choice for a focused and quiet project that can last for a week or two.

As children frequently learn about the Egyptians in various subjects, integrating this knowledge into their art classes is beneficial. Employing paint pens to design hieroglyphics, utilizing collage techniques to craft a death mask, and applying pastels to give an aged and authentic appearance can result in impressive large Egyptian portraits.

As part of an artist study unit with my Year 6 pupils, they explored the work of the artist Grayson Perry. A Turner Prize winner, Perry is known for his pots and tapestries that often illustrate imagined narratives or events infused with social or political messages. After examining his creations, the children carefully hand-drew their own personal narrative designs, outlining them in pen. Once scanned, they added color using Photoshop before cutting them out.

These highly intricate and detailed depictions of animal eyes have been meticulously crafted with high-quality watercolour pencils. The students utilised A5-sized paper to replicate stunning close-up images of various animal eyes, paying careful attention not only to the eye itself but also to the textures and patterns of the surrounding fur, scales, and feathers. Each element was carefully considered to enhance the overall realism of their artwork.

This project can connect with Science studies or simply serve as a creative endeavour to design unique galaxies and planets. The initial phase involves using sponges to gently apply metallic paint for space dust, along with white paint flicks to represent stars. Following this, you can use halved polystyrene balls and paint to create vibrant planets. Once everything is dry, adhere the planets onto the space background.

Batik is a technique for dyeing fabric that allows for the creative incorporation of designs using inks and liquid wax. I typically start with observational drawings of insects, though this medium can accommodate various themes. After completing the drawings, the children trace their insect designs onto the fabric by placing them underneath. An A2 size is ideal as it provides ample space for the batik. They then apply a liquid wax to create a barrier, preventing the inks from running when added. It's essential to choose a quality liquid wax, as some options may be ineffective; thorough research is recommended prior to purchasing. Allow the wax to dry for a day or two before brushing on the liquid inks. If effective, the wax will keep the inks from merging or running, leaving a clear outline of the insects amidst beautifully washed ink colours.

Mosaic work consistently captivates the children I teach. It integrates seamlessly with Roman studies or any culture where mosaic art is prominent. I typically encourage the children to sketch a variety of ideas on an A3 sheet prior to beginning the project. This preliminary step helps refine their concepts and prevents hasty decisions. I order a variety of mosaic tiles in different sizes, including both plain and more gem-like options. Although you can prepare wooden boards as bases for the mosaics, I find that cut-up cardboard boxes are sufficiently sturdy and serve just as well. The children apply PVA glue to secure the tiles, using a lolly stick to space them appropriately for the grout application later. Enjoy!

You can create a rain stick using recycled materials and items from the art room or your home. I have boxes filled with scraps of wool, ribbon, tape, and more, making it an ideal opportunity to use these materials. For the rain stick, I purchase A2 poster tubes, which are approximately 50 cm long and 3.8 cm in diameter—making them a perfect size.

Begin by marking where you intend to place the nails around the tube. Carefully hammer in flat-headed nails; I typically use 25mm nails for this project. Once the nails are in place, it's time to decorate. I encourage the children to wrap the tube with washi tape to cover the nail heads. After that, they can use ribbons, wool, and pipe cleaners to enhance the rainforest theme. Finally, fill the tube with rice or coffee beans and secure the lids with glue to avoid spilling contents everywhere.

This project is akin to traditional weaving done on looms, but instead, it involves crafting bracelets using drinking straws. Begin by taping several drinking straws together, cutting them to approximately 15 cm in length to create a suitable size for a bracelet. To initiate the weaving process, tie the first piece of wool to one of the straws and start the weaving technique. It is important to instruct the children on how to securely tie knots when adding new strands of wool to the existing one. Continue weaving while ensuring the tension is even, and when you reach the top, tie off the final piece on the last straw.

The next phase requires more precision. Take a long piece of wool and carefully push it through each straw, utilizing a thin stick as a tool to aid in this process. After this step, remove the straws while ensuring that the wool remains in place. Once all straws are taken out, secure the wool by tying knots between every two pieces, which compacts the weave as you go along. Finally, you can enhance the bracelet by adding small plastic clips for a stylish finish, resulting in a unique wool bracelet.

These Ink Tree Creatures are a quick and enjoyable project. Start by applying masking fluid to the watercolour paper (A3) using a brush, creating swirls and stars. Once the masking fluid is dry, wash the background with inks to simulate a sky or sunset. After that, peel off the masking fluid, which is always an enjoyable step.

Next, the fun part begins. Using black ink, wash the ground and create a thick tree trunk. Then, take a drinking straw to blow blobs of ink, forming branches. Allow this to dry before crafting woodland creatures from coloured card to place in or around the tree.

This project is an excellent way to engage younger pupils, aiding in the development of their cutting skills and dexterity. A wide variety of papers are made available, including textured, corrugated, sparkly, and fluorescent options. The pupils begin by cutting out circle and flower-shaped templates, which they use as a guide to trace the shapes of their flowers. Once completed, they glue a button in the centre of each flower. As their skills advance, they begin to create more intricate and imaginative flower designs. These creations can be showcased individually in vases or combined for a stunning collection. In total, around 600 flowers were utilised to create two large bouquets, with each pupil contributing to a section of the vase as well. Enjoy!

A straightforward, enjoyable, and delicious project! I kick off this activity by having students brainstorm their ultimate Ice Cream Sundae. It can include anything—candies, chocolate, biscuits, doughnuts—let their imaginations run wild! Next, I print a variety of sundae cups and jars, which the students glue to the bottom of an A3 sheet. They then have a great time illustrating their huge sundaes and, once finished, outline them with a black marker and add colour using permanent pens. The final touch is to paint the background with watercolours. Delightful!

This project utilises watercolour and patterns to achieve vibrant results. Initially, children will work on worksheets to generate a variety of repeated patterns. The focus should be on keeping these patterns engaging yet simple. Next, they will sketch an animal of their choice on A3 watercolour paper, segmenting the face and body into curved sections. After applying washes of colour and allowing them to dry, they will outline the animal and sections with a bold permanent pen. Finally, they can enhance their work with detailed patterns using a thinner Sharpie pen. Have fun!

Working with clay, in any capacity, is consistently popular among children. I frequently create these pieces as they offer an easy way to utilise a wide array of objects to produce numerous patterns. Whether or not you are focusing on a specific theme, clay masks can be beautifully enhanced with impressions made from items such as screws, pens, batteries, forks, and any other materials available. They can be left in their natural state, painted, or glazed.

These Pirate Ships offer a blend of techniques and are always popular with the younger children I instruct. The process starts with painting an A3 sheet in shades of blue and green. Once the paint is dry, tear the sheet into strips lengthwise and layer them onto a background to form a turbulent sea. I typically provide templates of pirate ships with masts for the children to design and cut out, along with sails that can be folded and glued to give a three-dimensional effect. The final touch involves adding string for rigging, resulting in a mixed media pirate ship!

Always a popular project focusing on the art style of aboriginal cultures. Begin by encouraging students to consider what would be fitting imagery for this type of art. Aboriginal artists frequently portrayed native animals, as well as elements of nature and landscapes. Next, use the end of a paintbrush or wooden sticks to apply painted dots to the artwork.

These doughnuts were painted as part of an exploration of various artists. The students focused on the work of Wayne Thiebaud, an American artist renowned for his vibrant depictions of delectable foods, including cakes, pastries, doughnuts, and ice creams. I created templates for the students to use, allowing them to apply paint in a manner similar to how a baker would icing a cake. The results are visually appealing and resemble actual treats!

This creative project centred around the in-depth exploration of various books. Students carefully removed pages from old, discarded books, and then uncovered intriguing new passages hidden within those pages. They designed an imaginative image to complement and enhance each newly discovered passage. It was a challenging and thought-provoking task, but the outcomes were truly remarkable and inspiring!

This project offers an engaging way to explore the work of graffiti artists, including Banksy. Many art stores sell books featuring graffiti stencils, which typically include multiple perforated designs that can be easily removed and reused. I have maintained most of these stencils for several years, and they remain in excellent condition. Students can utilise sponges to apply paint over the stencils and fill in the gaps, resulting in their preferred background. I often photocopy a brick pattern onto A2 or A3 recycled paper for this activity.

This is likely one of my preferred projects. I typically provide a selection of famous paintings, with Van Gogh being a popular option due to his vibrant colours. The children begin by sketching the artwork before tearing tissue paper to recreate the painting. They consider layering colours to achieve various tones. Generous application of PVA glue creates a hard, glossy finish. Once dry, the final details are added using a black sharpie.

This project is straightforward and enjoyable, yielding satisfying outcomes. Begin by designing a repeating pattern of five cubes and then photocopy them to your preferred size. Next, encourage the children to decorate their cubes with their own distinct patterns and designs. Finally, cut out the cubes and secure them together with tape on the back to form a large tessellation of cubes.

To honour the sacrifices made by armed forces members and civilians during World War I, each student stitched a felt poppy adorned with a button. These individual contributions were assembled into a large wreath. Poppies, which thrived in the soil disturbed by combat and shelling, became a familiar sight, particularly on the Western Front. Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday serve as moments to reflect not only on those who fought but also on the ideals for which they fought.

This project serves as an excellent opportunity to connect with geography studies by crafting unique, personalised maps. Begin by brainstorming key aspects such as hobbies, significant people, memorable holidays, and favourite foods. Following this, have participants design an island that includes elements from their brainstorming session—think along the lines of Rainbow Waterfalls, Chocolate Swamps, Pizza Volcanoes, and Spaghetti Jungles. Once the design is sketched and outlined, use watercolours to add vibrancy and depth to the artwork.

Students skilfully utilised various mechanical objects to create distinct impressions on thick cardboard sheets. After that initial phase, they thoughtfully applied a white acrylic wash to enhance the design, and, once the paint had completely dried, they carefully redrew the objects using a fine marker pen. The outcomes of this artistic process are truly impressive and reflect the successful collaborative efforts of the group.

These sculptures are inspired by the works of Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore. Start with polystyrene blocks or a similar material as the foundation for your sculpture. Cut two sections of thick wire, insert them into the polystyrene base, and twist them into an intriguing abstract design. Take a pair of tights and gently stretch them over the wire, securing them to the bottom of the base. This allows for adjustments to the wire shape as needed. Apply a coat of white primer, and once it is dry, paint it in your chosen colours and patterns. Enjoy the creative process!

As a year group, students engaged in a discussion about what a better future might resemble in a world devoid of discrimination, identifying the changes they wish to see. They reflected on themes of equality, diversity, respect, cooperation, togetherness, and identity, with each contributing a section. These individual pieces were then combined and taped together to create a remarkable collaborative artwork.

These collage works are akin to the tonal collage pieces featured on the site, but differ in colour. Students begin by outlining their geometric shapes along with their shadows and then utilize coloured sheets of tone to assemble the collage. It is important for the students to consider contrasting colours between the shape and the background, as well as to maintain the neatness of their collage creations.

These large letters have been collaboratively crafted by small groups of students, who worked together to design and style each individual letter. They thoughtfully selected the colours that would complement the background while also considering the best options to make the letter prominent. Utilizing squares of tissue paper and plenty of PVA glue, they brought their designs to life. This project serves as an excellent introduction to font and hand-drawn typography—my favourite type of art!

Connecting science and art can be an enriching experience for children. Begin by showcasing examples of petri dishes to inspire them with the shapes and textures found in cells and bacterial growth. Encourage the children to creatively use small materials such as beads, pipe cleaners, cotton buds, straws, and felt to replicate the appearance of bacterial growth and living organisms in their own science-inspired petri dishes. As they work, prompt them to consider how they can manipulate these materials to reflect the characteristics of microorganisms. To add to the fun, challenge them to come up with imaginative names for their creations—perhaps something like "Blueblob Jellyspongus."

These cherry blossoms resemble authentic Japanese artwork and are both easy and enjoyable to create! Start by taping around the edges and placing a piece in the centre for some calligraphy on a long sheet of watercolor paper. Washi or masking tape works well. Next, wash the background with light watercolours to depict a sunset or early evening sky, leaving a section blank for a setting sun or moon. To create branches, you can either blow black ink upward using a straw or apply it with a brush. Once the ink is dry, add pink and white dabs of paint throughout the branches to represent the cherry blossoms. Finally, carefully remove the tape, and use pens for Japanese calligraphy to write names - I may have the alphabet wrong so do let me know if so! I also included a twig at the top of the sheets for hanging. Enjoy!

Create a simple and enjoyable art project inspired by Japanese culture. Start by making 3D Koi carp using a template. Cut, fold, and staple the designated parts together. To achieve the distinctive patterns of each Koi, use marbling inks in pots of water. Hold the Koi templates with a clothespin and gently submerge them into the water, allowing the marbling inks to bring the fish to life. Repeat this process if you desire additional colours for your carp. Afterward, let them dry. On a separate sheet, apply aqua watercolours using tape along the edges, and peel off the tape once dry. Finally, attach the Koi to the sheet, add some eyes, and incorporate Japanese calligraphy (sorry if the alphabet is not correct) to complete your artwork.

This project involves the exciting challenge of creating a unique 'steampunk' mechanical creature. Students will be tasked with the intricate process of illustrating one half of the creature based on careful observational studies, while the other half will showcase their imaginative and innovative interpretation of the unseen internal mechanics. The final artworks will not only reflect intricate details but also demonstrate a skilled blend of creativity, thoughtful design, and tonal variation, making each piece a fascinating exploration of the steampunk genre.

An illuminated letter typically serves as the introductory letter of a page or paragraph. It is always larger than other letters and often features intricate embellishments including images of animals, plants, and mythological figures. Begin by having students examine examples of illuminated letters, encouraging a discussion about their distinctive features and elaborate designs. After this, instruct them to draft their own illuminated letter on an A3 sheet. Once they feel satisfied with their design, they can meticulously outline it using sharpies. Finally, they should apply watercolor to enhance their letters, adding gold and silver pens for the finishing touches. The completed pieces can be displayed attractively mounted on black card.

These vibrant skateboard decks offer an engaging way to enhance graphic design skills. I created an A3 worksheet and printed it on sturdy 380 gsm card. The worksheet provides room for students to brainstorm ideas for their skateboard deck. Once they are satisfied with their concepts, they can sketch it out on the board. They then use permanent markers for colouring, cut out the design, and add foam board beneath the wheels to achieve a slightly 3D effect. I would love to see some of these designs showcased in a skate shop! Enjoy the design process!

These cacti and succulents were crafted using watercolours and sharpie pens. Initially, we utilised reference images to sketch a pot and a variety of cacti on an A3 sheet. The students then defined the outlines with sharpie, incorporating additional patterns and details on the pot. The final step involved applying vibrant watercolor washes to enhance their appearance. I'm sure you'll agree, they look fantastic!

This engaging project creates the illusion of being at the ocean's depths. Begin by using permanent markers on a plastic wallet to illustrate underwater creatures and the sea bed. To assist in their drawing, insert a piece of white cardstock inside. After completing the artwork, replace the white card with a black card inside the wallet to simulate darkness. Next, craft a torch from card stock featuring a broad white beam to illuminate your underwater scene! It's advisable to start the project by having the students sketch their designs beforehand. The result is a captivating ‘light-up’ deep-sea illusion.

This project is enjoyable as it involves various fun designs and patterns, while also including elements of symmetry. I create a template for playing cards, allowing students to design their own card and opt to incorporate symmetrical images as well. Overall, it's a delightful project!

These small observational studies of mechanical objects have been carried out using various mediums. When presented together, they create an impressive display that showcases the diversity and unique styles that each student has developed in their work. The combination of different artistic approaches allows for a richer appreciation of the students' creativity and technical skills, highlighting the individual perspectives brought to the study of mechanical forms. Each piece contributes to a collective narrative that emphasises both the intricacies of the objects themselves and the distinctive interpretations of the observers.

These sizable A1 mixed media portraits draw significant inspiration from the influential artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Students wholeheartedly embraced their own expressiveness, utilising vibrant colours and bold lines while incorporating meaningful words that resonate deeply with them, resulting in unique and deeply personalized artworks.

These are large-scale observational drawings that depict an arrangement of dried flowers artistically placed in various water pots. Students utilised both watercolours and watercolour pencils to effectively complete their studies, enhancing the overall appearance and detail of their artwork.