In the classroom, students in Year 4 chose an animal on which to do a research project, so in the art room they did an artwork of that same animal in the style of Australian artist based in Queensland, Tracey Keller. Her animal artworks are full of life, colour and texture. The class even had a Skype session with Tracey where the students were able to ask questions, and she shared a bit about herself, her work and really encouraged the kids to be positive with their creative endeavors.
We began by viewing and discussing Tracey’s artworks and completed an artist response sheet. The students task then was to find a google photo of their animal (not necessarily the whole animal) Which they posted on Seesaw (the platform we use) so I could print them out for the next lesson. I actually edited the pictures into a line drawing so it was easier to trace.
Carbon paper was attached behind the print out so the students could trace the shape, contour lines and markings, transferring it to a piece of cartridge paper. Once it was traced they used poster colour palette paints to paint the animal’s natural colours.
Next they used a flat brush to paint a short stroke to create small squares, starting with one colour here and there, then following with other colours. (They also added a small square or two of hessian for added texture). Optional to do the “square daubs” outside the animal- for some it really gives a sense of movement.
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