Exploring Sidney Nolan

Overview

This dynamic and engaging 60-minute Visual Arts lesson for Year 4 students introduces the iconic Australian artist Sidney Nolan, focusing on his renowned portrayals of Ned Kelly. By examining Nolan’s unique style and techniques, students will build their understanding of storytelling through art. The hands-on component involves a directed drawing activity, allowing students to create their own Ned Kelly image using pencil and black pen.

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Australian Curriculum Links

Learning Area: The Arts – Visual Arts
Year Level: Year 4
Strand: Present and Respond

Content Descriptions (Version 9.0):

• ACAVAM111: Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to create artworks that communicate ideas, observations, and imagination.
• ACAVAR117: Present artworks and describe how they are created and how they are perceived by different audiences.

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Learning Intentions

• I am learning about Sidney Nolan and his artistic contributions to Australian culture.
• I am learning how to analyse visual artworks and describe what I see and feel.
• I am learning how to follow directed drawing instructions to create an image inspired by Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series.

Success Criteria

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Be able to identify key features in Sidney Nolan's Ned Kelly artworks.
• Use visual elements such as shape, line, and contrast to re-create a Ned Kelly figure.
• Reflect on how their drawing relates to Nolan’s artistic style.

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Resources Required

• A3 sketching paper (1 per student)
• Soft lead pencils (HB)
• Erasers
• Black fine-tip markers or pens
• Printed images of Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series (5–6 key artworks)
• Whiteboard or Smartboard for displaying digital images
• Printed biography snapshots of Sidney Nolan (for teacher)

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Lesson Duration

Total Time: 60 minutes
Class Size: 25 students

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Lesson Procedure

1. Introduction & Hook (10 minutes)

Teacher Talk (5 minutes):
Introduce Sidney Nolan with a short, energetic discussion:

• He’s one of Australia’s most famous artists.
• Born in 1917 in Melbourne, Victoria.
• Most well-known for his paintings about stories from Australian history – especially Ned Kelly.
• Painted in a very bold and simplified style – especially famous for the blocky black helmet that Ned Kelly wears.

As you speak, show images of 2–3 of Nolan’s Ned Kelly works on the Smartboard or display them on the whiteboard.

Think-Pair-Share (5 minutes): Pose these age-appropriate questions and ask students to discuss in pairs, then share with the class:

• What do you notice first about this artwork?
• What colours has the artist used?
• How do you think Ned Kelly is feeling in this picture?
• Why do you think Sidney Nolan painted him like this?

Encourage students to describe shapes, lines, colours, and feelings.

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2. Directed Drawing Activity (35 minutes)

Step-by-Step Drawing (25 minutes):
Clear your board and gather students by the front for guided drawing.

Using large paper on the easel or digital sketching tool, demonstrate how to draw a stylised version of Ned Kelly inspired by Nolan. Guide students step-by-step:

1. Start with the iconic square helmet shape with rounded edges.
2. Add the narrow rectangular eye slit.
3. Sketch the head and shoulders inside the suit of armour.
4. Add arms – straight and angled, very stylised.
5. Include a simplified background element (e.g., tree or horse in silhouette) for more capable artists.

Encourage students to work in pencil first and take their time. Provide individual support as they work.

Inking (10 minutes):
Once drawings are complete, students trace over pencil lines with black pen to replicate Nolan’s bold outlines.

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3. Gallery Walk & Reflection (10 minutes)

Ask students to place their drawings around the room – tables or pinned on the wall. Begin a calming gallery walk.

Reflection Questions (on the board):

• What makes your Ned Kelly pic different from others?
• What was the hardest part to draw?
• What do you like about your piece?

Wrap up the class by inviting a few students to share their artwork and thoughts with the group.

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Assessment for Learning

Formative assessment strategies:

• Teacher observation during the drawing process.
• Student responses during the group discussion (demonstrating engagement and curiosity).
• Final artworks – evaluated for effort, understanding of shapes and form, and creativity in reinterpreting Nolan’s style.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Support: Provide pre-drawn template outlines for students needing fine motor support to trace and embellish.
• For Challenge: Encourage more capable students to add a landscape or symbolic elements (like Australian bush) using Nolan’s minimalistic style.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• History – HASS: Connection to Australian historical figures such as Ned Kelly.
• English – Literacy: Developing oral language skills through discussion and reflection.

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Extension Opportunities

• Start a small class mural inspired by “The Ned Kelly Series”.
• Ask students at home to research another Sidney Nolan artwork and bring back a few lines to share in the next session.
• Introduce vocabulary like 'composition', 'contrast', and 'symbolism' at an age-appropriate level.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson Prompts)

• Did students demonstrate engagement when viewing and discussing Nolan's work?
• Did the directed drawing allow for both structure and creativity?
• How could this lesson be expanded into a unit on Australian artists or storytelling through visual art?

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This lesson not only introduces students to an iconic figure in Australian art history but also embeds them deeply in the creative process – blending observation, technique, and expression in a culturally rich context.

👏 A true celebration of Aussie art and imagination!