I teach Art at two schools- South Geelong Primary School, a suburban school and Lethbridge Primary School, a rural school 20 minutes from Geelong. The facilities are totally different but the enthusiasm and creativity of children in both schools is excellent. Visual Arts is highly valued at these two schools and it is seen as a vital part of the curriculum. To ease planning time, I sometimes use similar mediums at both schools but with different topics and emphasis.

South Geelong Primary School

(5 x 1 hour lessons)

We looked at examples from various Zart Art Packs and discussed how artists vary a single colour. I introduced the term 'monochromatic colour' to describe various shades of the one colour.

Initially children experimented using one colour and added black and/or white to create as many shades and tones as possible. Some formed this in straight lines, some painted circles and others made patches. They enjoyed this challenge and were delighted with the range of shades they were able to create. Their creations also resembled abstract art and so they were able to appreciate that art isn't always about the final product but that the processes of getting there are also important.

We then discussed how the shades of colour could give a three-dimensional effect and evoke emotion. Children were challenged to paint a scene using monochromatic colours to express an emotion.

Following on from this, we looked at common everyday objects and even though we know that they are one colour, we observed the difference made by light and shade. The children initially sketched these objects (jug, funnel, paint bottle, vase, mug etc...) using pencil to shade.

In the next lesson the children were challenged to paint these everyday objects using their newly acquired knowledge of monochromatic colours.

Presentation

We are within walking distance to the Geelong Art Gallery and so have easy access to many excellent formal works of art. We discussed how the presentation of art works could add to their impact. Contrasting and complimentary colours and the use of shape and line in presentation were also discussed. The paintings of the everyday objects were carefully cut out. The children then used various sizes of Cover Paper, and Kinder Circles for the presentation of their art works. They also had access to fancy-edged scissors and rulers to use for extra effect. The children were amazed at the final art work and pleased with the many glowing comments from other students, parents, teachers and visitors to the school.

Lethbridge Primary School

I taught a similar unit to the above at Lethbridge last year and so decided to develop it further this year. The children revised knowledge of colours and shade through free experimentation. We looked at our own surrounding landscape, photos and art works showing how colour is affected by distance, atmosphere, etc. and vice versa. We also discussed the layers of views within each scene. The children drew about 8-10 lines to distinguish the layers of views in a landscape (a calendar of photographed landscapes came in handy here). They were then challenged to paint each section in monochromatic colours going from lightest (sky) to darkest (foreground).

Presentation

I decided to use the scrapbooking idea of a 'fractured' landscape for presentation. Children ruled lines on the back of their pages and created 16 rectangles. These were numbered sequentially and one strip was cut out at a time, and glued on to contrasting or complimentary background paper, one rectangle at a time. Some children did mix up a rectangle or two but this added to the effect. I always emphasize to the children that their art is never wrong but 'different' and so perceived 'mistakes' are a new idea and totally accepted.

The children were excited with their finished creations and many were displayed at the Geelong Show.

Clare Carroll
South Geelong
Primary School

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