Initially children worked with masking tape, sticking long lengths of it down the paper
This gave pupils a sense of immediate interaction, ownership and excitement at working on a large scale
Detail of masking tape – pupils enjoyed working together
To get a sense of the length of the paper, and prevent the youngsters feeling confined to one part of the sheet, they walked in procession mark making along the length and breadth of it using permanent markers and graphite
They were encouraged to experiment with their marks and imagine the sounds and feeling of water whilst working
Pupils were then given a selection of oil pastels and encouraged to work energetically making marks inspired by the water and responding to the marks and lines already on the paper
Pupils build the drawing with oil pastels
Oil pastels and permanent marker marks over masking tape
Then the real fun began! Pupils were given paint and coloured Indian ink and encouraged to respond to the existing marks on the paper with strong strokes
Pupils seemed to love this process and enjoy the freedom of experimenting with how to apply paint
And for some a fully immersive experience!
Whilst others are more controlled in their approach!
There are moments of shear joy!
And absolute engagement
Layers of paint over masking tape, oil pastel and permanent marker
Pupils then worked together to peal off the masking tape, now buried under layers of marks and texture
To reveal the original design with masking tape
Working together
Finished work – Pupils marvel at their creation!
The fabulous class teacher Mrs Timmis then guided pupils in a discussion about what they might do with or to their river drawing next.
Pupils voiced many wonderful ideas including populating the river banks with a class picnic or making it into a three dimensional sculpture. I eagerly await news from Ridgefield Primary School as to what happened next!
Many thanks for having AccessArt!
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