Artists

It’s not just that artist Peter Davis is a brilliant painter — making acrylic blending look effortless when it definitely isn’t — that makes me think art teachers should know about him. His portraits have been exhibited widely, including at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and they tackle some exciting themes that I think […]

The artwork ‘Stay Safe Mum (Elbow Elbow)’ (2020) by Peter Davis depicts the artist’s 81-year-old mother, Joyce, using her smartphone. Although she had owned a mobile phone since 2000, the lockdown introduced in March 2020 made her, like many people, far more dependent on video calls to stay connected. Before restrictions were introduced, Joyce had […]

When we talk about the elements of art, we’re really talking about the building blocks that every artwork is made from. Understanding them provides us with one way to analyse art. It’s not the only way, it’s not essential, but it is a good approach. In my view, planning exciting projects with inspiring artists that […]

Flicking through an artist’s sketchbook can be a joy; there are so many inspiring sketchbooks to discover. There is something more intimate about it than looking at an artwork on a wall. You’re holding their creativity and thoughts in your hands, and you go on a journey through their ideas as you turn the pages. […]

Japanese artist Yukihiro Akama makes beautiful hand-carved wooden houses. In his workshop in rural Yorkshire, he had lined up a row of small houses for me to look at. All in different stages of completion. Tall or squat, curved or geometric, textured or sometimes charred, they create a neat, calm and decidedly magical street. Although […]

Mark-making is part of most school art curriculums as it aims to broaden students perceptions of what drawing is and what is can be. When taught well, it helps students express emotions, ideas, and individuality by simply making marks on a surface. Although it can open up a world of exciting drawing, it could seem […]