Those working towards their QQI Level 4 at present will have the Painting Level 4 module completed by May for assessment. I like to design the module with the student’s interests and their ability levels in mind. I realize that some learners will have a natural ability and some will find it harder so I break things down to make them as accessible as possible. Learners are required to submit 8-10 mounted, finished pieces with relevant support work and written work. Sounds easy! What could possibly go wrong?

Introduction to Colour Studies

We start the year learning a bit about paint and color, completing straightforward tasks in color studies.

Pop Art

This leads on to a Pop Art project where the students research Pop Art and attempt to recreate work by a Pop Artist of their choice. This colorful exercise usually yields impressive results. My aim here is to build trust and confidence. There is written work to be completed, based on the Pop Art movement We then jump back in time to Pre-historic Cave Paintings. We do our research and attempt some cave paintings. We texture cardboard with glue and sand, giving an earthy, rocky look, and then try our hand at some authentic cave painting. This is accompanied by worksheets to be submitted. Another historical art journey brings us to Australia and Dot Painting. Students always seem to enjoy this as it is different from what they have previously done and it has almost instant results.

Spray Painting

If I haven’t managed to get them on the side after Spray Painting I should just resign. They love it. We print images (some will draw their own) on A3 and make paper stencils. On a dry day, we bring spray paint and protective masks, gloves, and clothing outside and get creative with the sprays. The results are always great and most learners want to do more and more. The process involved here works really well for the Health and Safety section of the module.

Tonal Studies and Portraits

We are presently working on tonal studies and portraits that are a bit trickier but I’m hoping that trust and confidence have been gained so we can get the most out of this section too. All along we keep all research materials, thumbnail sketches, drawings, and drafts to be compiled into their individual sketchbooks for the end of the year. Towards the latter part of the year, we will be doing 3D mask making, an Identity Project, Watercolours, Anti Bullying poster design, Acrylic Pouring, and, more than likely, more Spray Art.

That should keep us busy