As the weather gets cooler and we start feeling the effects of keeping windows and doors open in our classroom, we also have to remember that previous plans for Visual Arts and Autumn may be off-limits. The DES guidelines suggest that for Visual Arts, schools focus only on the drawing strand to minimise risk. Autumn is usually such a nice time for strands such as paint and printing but, alas, this year they may be out of bounds. Here are a few drawing ideas to keep your Visual Arts classes going.
Autumn Colours
Discuss warm and cool colours. Ask children to look and autumn pictures and decide whether the colours of autumn are warm or cool. Ask them to draw things that are generally warm colours – e.g. a fox, a fire, a plum, etc.
Autumn Scene
Show a picture of any autumn scene and tell the children to have a look at the colours that are associated with autumn. Ask them to draw their own autumn scene using autumn colours. Discuss why these colours are autumnal and what colours they might associate with other seasons.
Still Life
Plonk a pumpkin on a table and get children to draw what they see. Discuss the idea of drawing with your eyes and compare results depending on where children are sitting. Look at shape and shading, where age appropriate.