September has been a vibrant and dynamic month for our Visual Arts students, filled with hands-on experiences and opportunities to work both in and out of the classroom, fostering their artistic talents and expanding their creative horizons.
On the 26th and 27th of September, our Year 11 students were fortunate enough to participate in a two-day workshop led by the internationally renowned artist Ian Murphy. This marks the second year that Ian has worked with our students, and his return was met with great excitement. Ian, known for his powerful tonal drawings and atmospheric mixed media paintings, guided the students through the creation of large-scale drawings that channeled his distinctive style.
Murphy brought a selection of his own works, offering students the chance to see the complexity and depth of his art up close—a very different experience from viewing artwork on a screen. His expert guidance allowed the students to experiment with layering, texture, and detailed drawing techniques, pushing the boundaries of their own work. This workshop provided a unique opportunity for our students to connect with a professional artist, ask questions about his process, and gain invaluable insights into the art world. The skills and studies they developed over the two days are now key components of their GCSE coursework.
Earlier in the month, on the 20th of September, our Year 10 Art and Textiles students enjoyed an equally enriching experience with a trip to RHS Bridgewater, a stunning Royal Horticultural Society garden and woodland. A group of 36 students spent the day surrounded by nature, taking inspiration from the diverse array of plant life and garden landscapes. With cameras in hand, they captured photographs that will be used in their Art and Textiles coursework, focusing on composition and framing to bring their creative visions to life.
In addition to photography, students worked ‘en plein air,’ engaging in observational drawing directly in the gardens. They produced intricate fine liner sketches and studies of the plants and surroundings, exploring different forms of natural beauty through a creative lens. The combination of fieldwork and hands-on sketching provided them with a unique way to connect with their environment and translate that inspiration into their artwork.
Gracie, a Year 10 student, reflected on the experience, saying, "I had a lovely day; my favorite part was taking photographs in the Paradise Garden. I can't wait to go on another trip with art."
Both the Ian Murphy workshop and the field trip to RHS Bridgewater offered our students invaluable opportunities to expand their artistic skills, explore new techniques, and gain inspiration from both professional art and the natural world. These experiences will play a significant role in shaping their coursework as they continue to develop their creative portfolios.
We look forward to seeing how these experiences influence their artistic growth in the months ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our Visual Arts department as the students showcase their work in future exhibitions and open evenings.
