Picturing Landscapes
Use the gallery's collections to research how artists have developed and produced landscape paintings throughout the last century. In the studio students collect and explore observational drawings of Manchester's ever-changing cityscape using print techniques.
Aims (Skills, Knowledge, Outcome)
- To understand the genre of landscape and how artists styles have changed throughout Art History
- To encourage students to look, question and think about artworks to inform and develop their own ideas and critical skills
- To use the collection as a stimulus for students to communicate their own thoughts and feelings through individual and group discussions.
- To inspire the students to use the knowledge gained in the session to develop and inform their own artwork
What happens in the session
The journey will start with a focus on Traditional styles of landscape painting from the ‘Grand Tour’ to Victorian Manchester landscapes. Students will be encouraged to form opinions, compare and contrast paintings. Next in the 20th Century gallery students become aware of a shift in artistic style from the traditional to a new approach based on individual expression and experimentation.
At the top floor of the gallery the students will look out of the large windows to the impressive sight of Manchester’s skyline. The students will make a series of quick observational drawings on different types of paper, focusing on outlines of buildings, interesting details, pattern, line and form. In the studio these will be developed into a printed Cityscape on fabric for the students to take away.
How to prepare for the session
- Stress the importance of visiting a gallery, first hand experience of seeing art works rather than looking at reproduction in books
- Discuss and think about the notion of landscapes and why and how artists' surroundings and environments have provided them with inspiration
What people are saying about the session
"The print activity provides a unique memory of the visit that can be continued back at school and also into our future projects. We will be bringing all of our year 8 pupils in this next academic year. "
Teacher. Chapel en le Frith High Schoo.
For more information including booking, parking, facilities and a downloadable risk assessment, please go to plan your visit.
