Windows on the World

As the summer holidays approach and we think about spending time with friends and family, we asked the older children in The Art Room this week, “where would you like to wake up tomorrow?”  Using The Open Window, Collioure, a painting by Henri Matisse, as inspiration and the window motif as a starting point for their own artworks, everyone designed the view they would most like to see on opening up the shutters.

Choosing bold and vibrant colours to paint their window frames, the children were encouraged to experiment with different materials to capture the feeling and atmosphere of their special place as well as the features that would hint at the different locations, they each dreamt up. Glancing through these individual windows onto the world, we were treated to warm Mediterranean sunsets, far-reaching balcony views, distinctive city landmarks and exotic, rainforest creatures, a wonderful mix of hopes, dreams and creative endeavour!

Earlier in the day, our preschoolers made use of the window in a different way by taking advantage of the daylight streaming through the glass to illuminate their bold and vibrant suncatcher art works.  With a nod to Matisse’s stained-glass designs and his use of organic paper ‘cut-outs’, the children and their grownups set about drawing with scissors, creating tissue paper shapes to stick onto a transparent sheet. Framed with a pop of their favourite paint colour, these beautiful creations sparkled with fun and happiness. Thank you everyone for embracing the sunshiny theme and bringing the summer vibes to the Art Room this week!