After everything had been blocked with colour most of the students thought their paintings were finished. We re-looked at Henri Matisse (our focus artist) and discussed how he used patterns, shapes, line and colour. Before they started the patterns on the painting, they revisited their plans and drew the patterns on the objects, when confident they painted. This process has taken two days. Yes, I know it is a lot of time. However, the quality of the artworks speak for themselves and for the perseverance of the children.
GOOD ARTWORKS TAKE TIME. A benefit of giving time is the children get on a flow, they become absorbed in their work spending long periods of time concentrating, even the children who traditionally have a very limited concentration span.
All the children are now assessing their own paintings, looking for parts that don’t look right or need more work. I am delighted with this development because it shows the children have become confident decision makers, problem solvers and independent thinkers in relation to their artwork.
It was interesting listening the the comments when we looked at several pieces of art. The children talked about the patterns used, the colour variations, the shape of objects and how things worked well together. It was a real buzz for the children who’s art we discussed.
