Topic title: Colour Landscapes
Year group: 7
When taught: January – February
What are we learning?
Pupils learn what Landscapes are and how landscape painters before and after French impressionism observed and used colour in their landscapes. Pupils learn how to apply their newly acquired colour theory knowledge to mix and apply paint and how to observe colour in images and from life. We also begin to learn how technological inventions (the steam engine, pre-mixed paint and the camera for example) have an impact on art, how art movements like impressionism happen and how they influence later artists.
Why is this important to know?
Understanding how to use colour in artwork is vital and needs to be taught early on in Year 7. Colour is one of the formal elements which are fundamental for artists’ ability to create and control visual artwork. The ability to write about artwork using subject specific vocabulary and to understand its meaning is also important to develop. Technical skills in paint mixing and brush control are also introduced in achievable and rewarding ways.
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
The Colour Landscape project follows directly on from Colour Theory, giving pupils the chance to apply and embed their knowledge while it remains fresh. Colour is a key basis of knowledge that features heavily in almost all future projects. It is referred to consistently in future projects. The project also introduces key observational skills that underpin future tasks and projects.
How will we be assessed on this topic?
Students will be assessed throughout the project in selected tasks including their artist research page and final painted landscapes.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic? What are teachers hoping to see?
Strong work in Colour Landscape should include the following;
- Correct theory in colour mixing
- Skilful brush control
- Accuracy of colours mixed
- Accuracy of shapes observed in landscape studies
- Use of subject specific vocabulary in artist research pages
What key words are there in this topic?
- Landscape
- Impressionism
- Observational
- Accuracy
- Highlights
- Shadows
- Mid-tones
- Complementary
- Harmonious
- Vibrant
- Muted
- Tint
- Shade
- Tone
- Saturation
- Contrast
- Palette
- Aerial perspective
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
- Try mixing colour paint to match colours you see if you are able, whenever possible
- Try drawing or painting a landscape in an actual location (‘en plein air’ or in open air as the impressionists would say) using only colours (no pencil or black crayon or paint)
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
- We have various books on impressionism and landscape painters in our department library, available for pupils to read at lunches and breaktimes. Impressionism by Robert L. Herbert or more contemporary books like David Tress and Kurt Jackson’s Place are suitable. Looking in local or national galleries at examples of landscape would be highly valuable.
