Art News

Welcome to the Art Studio 

The first week at school of 2024 has been such delight, seeing new and old students return to our amazing school with such excitement, enthusiasm, some nervousness, but generally a willingness to get started on a new year. It’s going to be a wonderful year. 

Thank you for sending an old shirt to protect your young artist’s uniforms. These shirts are only worn in art time and usually don’t get too messy however it is a symbol of respect to our uniform, ourselves, and the school that the students use an art shirt.  

This term the year three and four classes are attending an excursion to Cottesloe Beach to see the Annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. I hope all families take the opportunity to explore this fantastic free exhibition.  

This term we will be looking at 3D art, artists and building form using a variety of materials. 

I am usually available after school Monday to Thursday, or can answer any queries through e-mail on  

melinda.cockerill@education.wa.edu.au. 

Here is some information about the developmental process of drawing and art for your interest. 

Your partner in education, 

Melinda Cockerill 

Drawing is a natural process for all children. From infancy, children begin by experimenting with drawing tools and making marks on paper, and as they grow, these marks start taking on meaning. Drawing ultimately becomes a child’s way of expressing their understanding of the world and all the things that are important to them. 

During the early years, it is important to focus on the process of creative drawing, and not on the product. There is no need to formally teach children to draw. The best way to teach them is to give them exposure to materials and drawing tools and let them express themselves freely. As they grow and mature, their drawings will become more detailed and reflect the world around them. 

While using colouring books in small doses is enjoyable and still has some value, it’s best to limit exposure to them and rather opt for free drawing, which has greater creative value. Why Drawing is Important 

There are many benefits of drawing. 

  • Drawing will build a child’s fine motor skills. 
  • It develops hand-eye coordination. 
  • It develops creative expression through free drawing. 
  • Drawing is the foundation of pre-writing skills. 
  • It builds a child’s attention span. 
  • It develops cognitive understanding of concepts.