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“Embedding ICT across the curriculum”

Weather Watch Art Project

Using lots of different materials, we will be making drawings, paintings and sculptures about the weather.   We will be trying to show how the weather makes us feel.  We will be making abstract art using with line, shape and colours.

Aim: To work with a group of children to make expressive work in a variety of media that investigates features of the weather.

Learning intention:

• Develop skills combining and matching a range of media to intentions.
• Using visual vocabulary to express experience and ideas.  

Outcomes: 

A range of studies in 2 and 3 dimensions that use a range of mark making and construction techniques to communicate abstract qualities

Resources: 

2D - Large rolls of paper and card, chalk, charcoal, pastels, fine liners, markers, paint.

3D – card, paper PVA, masking tape, wire, string
Laptop and projector, camera, examples of abstract paintings

Getting Started

Look at the work of artists who have been inspired by the weather. JMW Turner was really interested in finding ways to paint the effect of different sorts of weather. 
Talk about your favourite weather. What does it make you think of? Write down a list of words that describe the way the weather makes you feel.

For painting and drawings:

Use thick and thin lines, colours and shapes to represent your weather words.  Arrange them to fill your page.  Think about the way that you might show hot or cold, wind or calm, wet or dry.

For sculpture:

Carefully cut out long strips of paper or card. Try different colours and textures, like corrugated cardboard or metallic card.

You could write some of your descriptive words or phrases along the strip, using different types of lettering - big, small, bubble-writing, mirror-writing... you choose!

Twist your strips of paper into spirals or knots, joining the ends together with tape or glue. Staples are quick and easy but you may need to ask a grown-up to help.

If you like you can keep adding new twisting strips to make bigger, more elaborate sculptures. Then try hanging them up like mobiles or taking photos of them in different settings, such as in the garden.

M B Gregson
Feb 2008

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