Local Landscapes Inspired by Dale Cox

For three consecutive years Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School has participated in this art extension project.

This year 19 girls from Grades 5 & 6 elected to take part, agreeing to attend a lunchtime session once a week for ten weeks. The project began with a visit to the N.G.V. This involved a lecture, a viewing of a select group of Australian paintings and a talk by practicing artist, Dale Cox about his ideas, their development and his techniques. They then chose and photographed their Local Landscape.

Their painting on canvas board was to be based on this image and worked on throughout second term. At the beginning of each session a tutorial was held focusing on a specific technique that could be applied to their image such as painting clouds, sea, trees etc. On the completion of their painting they wrote a short piece about their ‘Local Landscape` and its significance to them.

On the first Saturday of Term 2 their work was exhibited alongside that of all participating schools at the NGV. This event was attended by students and their visitors and was a great opportunity for them to see other students’ work and read the accompanying text. Participation in this project has enhanced the artistic development and Art appreciation of all students involved.

Susan Clarke
Visual Art Teacher
Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School
Suitable for AusVELS levels 5 & 6