Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students explore how artists are inspired by places in nature. Students begin by investigating what ‘inspiration’ means, and how being inspired can lead us to create art and/or take action. Students explore the sources of inspiration for other artists, and then think of a place in nature that is special to them and that can inspire them to make art. Students will then create a watercolour drawing of their special place in nature, and will share their artwork with classmates, reflecting on the way artworks can share messages about caring for our environment.
Faber-Castell has long understood the importance of creativity to all people, especially to young people. It is also continuously searching for environmentally friendly processes and high-quality materials to enhance children’s creative experience throughout every development phase. For more information about Faber-Castell, click here.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand that places in nature can inspire us to make art.
- Students will understand that artworks can convey messages that they want to share.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 3 & 4 Visual Arts
- Explore ideas and artworks from different cultures and times, including artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, to use as inspiration for their own representations (ACAVAM110)
- Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks (ACAVAM111)
- Present artworks and describe how they have used visual conventions to represent their ideas (ACAVAM112)
Year 4 HASS
- The importance of environments, including natural vegetation, to animals and people (ACHASSK088)
Syllabus outcomes: VAS2.2, GE2-1, GE2-2, GE2-3.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.2.
Relevant parts of Year 3 & 4 Visual Arts achievement standards: Students plan and make artworks that communicate ideas.
Relevant parts of Year 4 HASS achievement standards: Students identify the interconnections between components of the environment and between people and the environment.
Topic: Sustainability.
Unit of work: Creative Sustainability – Year 3 & 4.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion, oversee self-portrait planning and creation.
Resources required: Student Worksheets – one copy per student. Watercolour pencils, paper, brushes. Watercolour Techniques Handout. Art Inspiration Planning Questions. Art Inspiration Flashcards. Nature Inspiration Flashcards. NOTE: Print both sets of flashcards and cut each flashcard in half and glue the questions to the back of the corresponding image.
Keywords: Environment, places, inspiration.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation
