The Art Department, a hive of activity and creative energy at the best of times, was transformed earlier this month when world-renowned artist and art educator Ian Murphy came back to host a workshop for our students of art.
Keen artists from SIII Nat 5 and GCSE classes participated in the masterclass alongside our SIV Nat 5 pupils, SV Higher pupils and SVI Advanced Higher pupils. In this engaging workshop, Ian shared many of his technical skills and insights, and pupils were encouraged and guided while they too put brush/nib/glue stick to paper and attempted their own masterpieces.
Mr Murphy has been to St Columba's before and we are thrilled that he came back again to impart the product of his lengthy and acclaimed career as an artist with our art aficionados/as.
The workshop covered all aspects of the creation process, including idea generation, canvas preparation, paper distressing to add energy and movement. Using a broad spectrum of materials, the class worked with mixed media, newspaper, tissue paper, PVA glue, fine pens, inks, acrylic paints, and many many more tactile surfaces.
The workshop challenged the pupils throughout their creative process, helping to develop their skills and techniques. Ian encouraged our pupils to consider all aspects of their work, from how to hold mark-making tools, to the size and proportion of the work created. Ian Murphy’s work is well-known for its many layers and textures to guide and inform his composition. His rhythmic approach inspired many of our pupils, and we hope it will be an experience they will carry with them.
This fantastic opportunity has not only provided valuable lessons to our many artists; they also have produced some outstanding works of art.