Art in Duckpuddle Class

In Duckpuddle Class, we complete four Art projects each year. Where possible they are linked to our class topic or key events in the school year. Our work is often inspired by the famous artist we study. During lessons we are encouraged to think creatively and share our own ideas, experiences and imagination through our work.

During our two years in KS1 we undertake the following projects:

Textiles

During this topic we design and make a number of seasonal pieces and gifts for our loved ones. We learn how to show patterns by weaving when creating our own Christmas lunch placemats and decorations. We also explore dyeing techniques when making batik drinks coaster to give as a gift to a family member.

Painting and Colour Mixing

In this project we learn how to mix primary colours to make secondary colours and how to create tints and shades. We also discuss and compare the work of Piet Modrian, Paul Klee, Jackson Pollack and Robert Delaunay before using our mixing skills to paint in their style.

Clay Tiles and Sculptures

During this topic we are inspired by the work of the illustrator Axel Scheffler and his collaboration with Julia Donaldson. We learn how to use tools and techniques to create a clay tile of an illustration from their story books and a 3D sculpture of one of their famous characters. This work also links to English where we are creating our own versions of, 'The Snail and the Whale'.

Printing

In this topic, we explore how marks and effects can be made in printing. We experiment with using natural objects to create rubbings, use fruit and vegetables to create repeating patterns and create our own stamp prints out of recycled materials. Finally, after learning about Indian block printing we design and make our own printing tiles.

Drawing (Self Portraits)

This project links to our science topic on ‘the human body’. We begin by looking closely at our facial features, learning how to draw our observations carefully and accurately. We then explore how pencils and pastels can be used to create different textures and effects when creating our own self-portraits. We also discuss and compare the work of Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol before drawing ourselves in these styles.

Painting

During this topic we study the work of the artists Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh and L. S. Lowry. Linked to our class topic, ‘Our Village’, we use our painting skills to recreate local landmarks in the style of some of their most famous pieces, e.g.; St Mary’s Church against the back drop of ‘The Starry Night’.

Drawing (Still Life)

In this topic we develop our drawing skills further when looking at still life. We use view finders to identify interesting parts of a scene that we would like to draw and create different tones and effects using charcoal, pastel and pencil. We also discuss and compare the work of Georges Braque, Pieter Claesz and Michelangelo Merisi da Carvaggio.

Collage

Inspired by the later work of Henri Matisse, this project focuses on collage. We learn how to use different materials and techniques to create texture as well as how to sort and arrange our collages to make interesting compositions.