This week, we completed one of our Expressive Arts projects inspired by the work of artist Kimmy Cantrell. Throughout Term 1, we learned about the visual elements of art, and this project gave us the opportunity to apply our understanding of shape, colour, line and form in a creative and meaningful way. As part of our learning for Black History Month, we explored the work of influential Black artists and discussed how Cantrell uses bold colours, expressive shapes and unique mask designs to communicate ideas and emotions.
We began by sketching and developing a range of mask designs before selecting our strongest idea. We then used cardboard to create three-dimensional sculptures and painted them in Cantrell’s distinctive style. This project encouraged us to think carefully about our artistic choices while developing our creativity and resilience. The finished masks showcase the individuality of each learner while reflecting the powerful shapes, colours and forms that inspired us throughout our study of Kimmy Cantrell.
This week, Burns Clan also explored the visual elements of line, shape and tone through a fun art project inspired by the work of filmmaker and artist Tim Burton. We studied Burton’s distinctive style, paying particular attention to his exaggerated facial features, expressive lines and dramatic use of light and dark. Using these techniques, we created our own “Spooky Selfies”, transforming portraits into eerie characters while experimenting with shading and contrast to create mood and atmosphere. The finished artwork showcased our growing understanding of how artists use visual elements to create strong visual impact and convey emotion
.
A huge congratulations to all of our pupils who represented Calderwood at the recent Cross Country Finals!
