Dear Parents,
This second term, because of the public holidays, we had a variety on the number of weeks each group did. The Monday group did 7 weeks, the Tuesday group did 9 weeks (full term for us) and the Wednesday group did 8 weeks. This coming term, in spite of having a four week break, each group will do 9 weeks.
As I mentioned before, we are going to have a winter break of four weeks. I’m travelling to South America for 17 days. While there, I plan to visit galleries, Museums and Craft Centres, looking for ideas. I also have arranged to visit some primary schools and contact some artists working with young children.
Next term there is not going to be Art Lessons in EKA week, my eldest daughter is getting married that week and the wedding is away from Brisbane.
We have been busy as always, we printed, we painted, we drew and we made timber sculptures. We painted a still life composition to try some new student’s quality paints that my wonderful friend and supporter Mr. Jim Cobb, owner of Chroma Australia, sent to us to try. The students loved to paint with this “fluid acrylic” that has a Gouache quality, bright colours, flat and velvety. We made prints with the idea of Picasso and his favourite things, his goat “Esmeralda”, his dog “Lump” and the doves he loved.
We also engaged in sculpture, the students used timber and glue to create their 3D works, they learnt how to glue timber using masking tape to keep the construction together while it was wet. When the glue was dry, Students took the tape off and painted. At this moment, some students are drawing studies of their sculptures to create a “Magical Landscape” and some others are starting their paintings on canvas. The Monday group will have the opportunity to paint their canvas next term.
Next term, we are going to look at and use yarns and textiles for our paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and book making.
Have a Lovely winter holiday; I’ll see you next term with all my ideas from my trip to South America.
Raquel Redmond, raquelredmond@optusnet.com.au
