Year 5 have been diving into the world of landscapes and cityscapes, exploring how different artistic techniques can completely transform the way a scene looks and feels. Over the past week, the children have experimented with a range of media, discovering how each one creates its own unique effects.

Wax and Watercolour: Textures in the Landscape

We began by looking closely at natural landscapes and thinking about the shapes, patterns, and textures we could see. The children used wax to build textured marks across their pages: swirls, lines, and hidden patterns. When they brushed watercolour washes over the top, the wax resisted the paint, revealing beautiful patterns that looked like ripples, hillsides, and flowing water. The class loved watching their landscapes come to life as the colours settled around the wax.

Ink and Water: Creating Moody Cityscapes

Next, we shifted our focus to the city. Using black ink mixed with different amounts of water, the children explored how to create a range of tones. From deep, bold blacks to soft, smoky greys. With these varied shades, they built a dramatic cityscape, layering silhouettes of London Bridge to show depth and atmosphere. The results were wonderfully expressive, with each piece capturing a different mood.

Choosing Their Own Inspiration

Now that the children have explored both natural and urban environments, they are ready for the next step: choosing a landscape or cityscape that inspires them personally. This might be a favourite holiday view, a local Birmingham skyline, or even a countryside walk. They will select their own media and techniques to create a final piece that reflects their individual style and creativity.