Exam season brings best from pupils
Art pupils have produced some stunning pieces as part of their A-level examinations.
The group took part in the two-day exam and worked on a variety of themes and processes during the examination process.
Jessica Mai has created an installation based on the ideas of surveillance and control in history and today.
Maddy Wright made a piece based on violence and gun crime with particular reference to America.
Vanessa Lau has produced two paintings based on perspective from the title “Passageway” and Laura Gataveckaite took photographs in the swimming pool to create a large painting.
The final pupil taking part, Victor Gerasimov, spent the exam on his computer working on a series of graphic pieces based around Rock music.
Year 7 pupils have been taking inspiration from a leading contemporary artist.
The group have been studying the work of Kurt Jackson, a British painter whose large canvases reflect a concern with natural history, ecology and environmental issues.
Using real fish in the classroom, the pupils have been painting in the same method as the talented artists, using newspaper cuttings as a background to blend into the pieces.
Mrs Morris, said: “The pupils have really taken to the project, where they can draw from life objects while also finding out more about one of the country’s most respected painters.
“The majority of Jackson's work reflects his commitment to the environment and the natural world within Cornwall, although he also works elsewhere in Britain and mainland Europe, so it is great that our pupils can see that art can raise issues in addition to bringing something to life.”
Members of the trust looking to save Colwyn Bay’s derelict pier visited us to view a mural painting based on the landmark.
The Year 9 group spent a number of weeks during the winter on the project, which centred round the work by Eric Ravilious in the pier’s old pavilion.
To construct the mural, pupils looked at original photos that covered the wall of the tea room to draw inspiration for their own design.
There is no surviving colour photograph of the mural so the pupils had to work from old black and white images and a watercolour sketch he produced.
Trust chairman, Mark Roberts and director, Pat Owen visited the art department on Friday May 13, where they viewed the finish piece and spoke with pupils.
Mr Sherrington, said: “We wanted to make our version more relevant to the local area so took our ruins from the mansion Llys Euryn from Bryn Euryn and collected real seaweed from the beach around Rhos to draw and paint in the studio.
“I am really pleased with how pupils came up with their own composition and collaborated so well generally. They worked on each panel in pairs and then we fitted it together at the end."
The art department hosted its annual A-level, AS Level and GCSE exhibition, which took place at the centre on Friday, June 24.
There were a host of varied portraits throughout the exhibition, which ranged from life drawings, photography and sculptures.
Parents, pupils and staff all spent time at the exhibition, where they were given further insight into each individual piece from Mr Sherrington and teacher Mrs Morris.
Mr Sherrington, said: “I am really pleased that all the pupils have felt confident and brave enough to do their own thing and not be constrained by convention or a safe option.
“The exhibition this year had plenty of variety and include some challenging work.
“It is heartening to see all the pupils reaching their potential and working from their own concerns and interests.”
Mr McDuff, who also attended the event, added: “The work on show was truly extraordinary and all pupils are to be congratulated for their efforts.
“You could see just how much hard work had been throughout the year on each piece, which shows just how much artistic talent we have here, something that is incredibly well nurtured.”