Author: The Arty Teacher

  • Memory Teapot

    Memory Teapot

    I have been meaning to share my memory teapot with you for quite some time.  I made it as an entry for ‘Grayson Perry’s Art Club‘ for the theme ‘Family’.  I was inspired by a comment Grayson Perry made about ‘Memory Jugs‘.  I didn’t know what they were and out of curiosity googled them.  I…

  • Modifying Our Language to Improve Behaviour

    Modifying Our Language to Improve Behaviour

    Modifying our language to improve behaviour and relationships with our students should be part of our behaviour management strategy and is a useful tool to pull out of our behaviour management toolbag. I’ve found it fascinating that small modifications in how we say things can have a big impact. I was thinking about the difference…

  • How to Create Clay Relief Artworks

    How to Create Clay Relief Artworks

    If you’ve ever wondered how to create clay relief artworks, this blog post has some information and inspiration which just might make you include it in your planning.  I’ve been really inspired recently by the images below posted by Weston Road Art Department on Instagram. I asked Head of Art Dan McGurrin if he could…

  • Artists That Use Gradation in Painting

    Artists That Use Gradation in Painting

    Many artists utilise gradation in their paintings. They are useful to know about so you can direct your students to them, or these particular artworks, when discussing and teaching gradation. What is Gradation? Gradation means to gradually transition from one colour to another or from one shade to another. Artists often use gradation to make…

  • How to Get Students to Opt for Art

    How to Get Students to Opt for Art

    As you start planning for next year, don’t forget to plan for how you are going to get students to opt for art.  This might be GCSE or A Level in the UK or different electives in other countries.  I’ve heard lots of teachers comment on social media that their numbers are down.  Is this…

  • Natural Forms Artists

    Natural Forms Artists

    What is a natural form?  A natural form is an object found in nature that has not been changed or altered. It is still in its natural state.  For example, flowers, leaves, seedpods, bones, skeletons, feathers, birds, fish, animals etc. ‘Natural Forms’ is a favourite topic for art teachers to pursue.  The flowing lines within…