Term 2 2004 - Zart Art

primary article
A DALLIANCE WITH DRAGONS
The idea of this unit was to combine the
development of drawing and design
skills with an appreciation of art in
other cultures, particularly in Asia and
Japan. I collected an array of painted
artefacts such as silk fans, umbrellas,
scarves and wall hangings as a motivator
for discussion. We also discussed design,
proportions, pattern, line and colour.
Task One
The students were excited by the idea of
drawing onto a Paper Screen. The theme of
‘Dragons’ was chosen because of the strong
association with Asia and because it is a
dramatic subject that captured the
imagination of the students.
Their first task was to sketch their design on
to paper of the same space as the screen. I
used Kate Hart’s Drawing Dragons (Dragons
- Zart Art Pub. 1993) to stimulate ideas for
possible images that the students could
create. We discussed the layout of the piece
and position and attitude of the dragon on
the screen, eg. Will your creature be flying
up the screen or down the screen and,
importantly, will your design fill the space
Task Two
During this lesson I demonstrated sketching
a dragon and we talked about shape, line
and pattern.
Students completed their sketches and
outlined them in black felt pen. They were
then able to trace their drawings on to the
Paper Screens.
Task Three
We used Ocaldo Blocks to paint the dragons.
During this session we discussed
contrasting colours, backgrounds and
patterns. A large selection of wonderful
coloured and printed papers were also
provided to enhance their work, and let’s
not forget a liberal splatter of Glitter,
Sequins and Gold and Silver Pens.
Conclusion
The students’ work will be displayed in all
its glory at our Autumn Fair Art Show so
that proud parents and the school
community can enjoy the wonderful work
our Year 6 artists have produced.
Mary Cooper
Montrose Primary School
Zart Extra_Term 2 2004 3