In Year 6, we have been studying the work of Howard Hodgkin an abstract artist from the UK. First, we looked at and discussed in detail a variety of his pieces, focusing on how each one made us feel and the techniques used in each piece.In Year 6, we have been studying the work of Howard Hodgkin an abstract artist from the UK. First, we looked at and discussed in detail a variety of his pieces, focusing on how each one made us feel and the techniques used in each piece.

We then learnt all about Sgraffito and Impasto. Sgraffito is the technique of scratching into wet paint to reveal another layer underneath and Impasto is where thick paint is used and not brushed out. It is usually thick enough that the brush strokes can be seen. We had lots of fun exploring how to create these two techniques in our sketchbooks using a variety of materials such as toothbrushes, wire, cardboard scrappers, cotton buds, dabbers and small sticks.

We then learnt about the German artist Gerhard Richter. Gerhard is famous for blending, smearing and scraping the many layers of paint on his abstract paintings with a squeegee and various other tools. 

Finally, in our sketchbooks, we began to plan our final pieces. Then the fun started! To add texture and to create a 3D effect, we used mod-roc which was very messy but very effective.

We then added vibrant coloured paint to create the effect of lava exploding from a volcano. The children are all very proud of their final pieces. Here are some close ups. They all look amazing!