Naturally Art
Programme: NATURALLY ART (an arts activity trail exploring the natural environment).
Suitable for’ Key Stages 1 and 2 and available as a half or full-day activity.
Naturally Art is made-up of activities which take place at various points along a specially designed trail running through the Centre’s grounds. The activities have been designed to help children become more visually aware of the natural environment, raising their awareness of the variety and diversity which can be found in the natural world (textures, shapes, colours, scents) and allowing them to experience a variety of materials, tools and techniques which can be used in art.
Naturally Art can also offer the opportunity for children observe the work of different artists in interpreting the natural environment.
ACTIVITY DETAILS
Naturally Art begins in the classroom with a discussion about the different ways of creating art. Children are asked about their own experiences of artwork and the mediums in which they have worked. A series of slides are then shown (if time allows) to illustrate the variety of approaches used by acclaimed artists. This is followed by a discussion about journeys and how observations made on them might be recorded. The artists trail is introduced together with an ‘artists notebook’ specially prepared for Naturally Art.
Artist’s Trail
Guided by the session leader, children follow a trail with various activities being introduced along
the way (not always in the order outlined below). In a typical half-day session we would expect to have time for between three and four of the activities described below.
1. Framing - Each child is given a picture frame which they use to capture an image (as might be done when using a camera). They interpret this image into their artists notebook using pencil and/or crayon.
2. Viewfinder - Using the same image children are asked to comment on what they see. They answer a number of questions in their notebook which encourage them to look at their image in more detail.
3. Clay, textures and printing - Clay is a natural product which is commonly found in parts of Staffordshire. Children ‘discover’ lumps of clay in the woodland and a short discussion about its uses follows. Children use the clay to create a ‘tree spirit’ mini sculpture OR clay is used to make a print, exploring different textures found in nature and each choose a log, tree trunk or other suitable surface and use the clay to make an imprint.
4. Nature’s art store - Making use of the methods utilized by environmental artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, children work in groups to produce a piece of artwork and create an outdoor art gallery.
5. Charcoal - Children discover charcoal in the woodland and a short discussion about its origins and takes place. They then have the opportunity to create a picture using charcoal.
6. Colour dabs - A short activity where children look at and collect ‘colours in nature’ using a miniature artist’s palette.
7. Leaf Rubbing - Children explore different patterns and ways of revealing them using leaf rubbing. The are encouraged to find different shaped and patterned leaves.
[Not all of the activities are suitable for all age groups - each Naturally Art session will be made to suit the requirements of the visiting group]
Return to Classroom
On returning to the classroom children are asked to express their thoughts about their work experiences along the trail. Time can be allotted for children to put the finishing touches to the artists notebook.
CURRICULUM LINKS
Key Stage 1
Naturally Art links with National Curriculum attainment targets in English, Science and Art
design.
English The whole speaking and listening section.
Writing (la, 2a, 9c).
Science Life processes and living things (3g. 3b, Sc).
Materials and properties (la, lc).
Art and design Exploring and developing ideas ( la, lb).
Investigating and making art, craft and design (2a. 2c).
Knowledge and understanding (4a, 4b).
Breadth of study (Sb, Sc).
Key Stage 2
Naturally Art links with National Curriculum attainment targets in English and Art and Design.
English The whole speaking and listening section.
Writing (lb. 9b).
Art and design Exploring and developing ideas (la, lb).
Investigating and making art, craft and design (2a, 2b, 2c).
Knowledge and understanding (4a, 4b).
Breadth of study (Sb, Sc).
This activity sheet is available to download as a word document from the right hand side.
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