Exploring Watercolour Art

---

Overview

This lesson plan is designed for Year 9 Art students in Australia, focusing on watercolour art techniques and the works of influential watercolour artists. Spanning 1200 minutes (20 hours), this unit encourages creativity, technical skill development, and critical thinking through practical application, historical exploration, and peer collaboration.

Aligned with the Australian Curriculum – The Arts (Visual Arts) for Years 9–10, students will:

• Experiment with diverse materials and techniques to represent ideas (ACAVAM118).
• Develop and refine skills, processes, and techniques to communicate meaning in their artworks (ACAVAM119).
• Analyse and interpret the practices of artists, including understanding cultural and historical contexts (ACAVAR123).

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the unit, students will be able to:

• Apply intermediate-level watercolour techniques to produce original artworks.
• Analyse and draw inspiration from historical and contemporary watercolour artists.
• Use a visual diary to document experimentation, reflections, and creative processes.
• Present a resolved watercolour artwork that conveys a personal theme or concept.

---

Materials Required

• Watercolour paper (cold-pressed, 300gsm).
• Professional-grade watercolour paints and brushes.
• Visual diaries (A4 or A3).
• Mixing palettes, painter’s tape, jars for water.
• Hairdryers for drying layers.
• Reference photographs or objects.
• Artist biographies and printed images for analyses.

---

Weekly Breakdown (20 Hours)

Week 1: Introduction & Foundations (4 Hours)

Class 1: Discovering Watercolour

• Introduction Lecture (30 mins):
  • Origins of watercolour painting, focusing on its use in Western and Indigenous Australian art. Highlight artists like Joseph Lycett (who painted early colonial Australian landscapes) and Albert Namatjira, a renowned Aboriginal watercolour artist.
• Practical Activity (60 mins):
  • Demonstrate basic watercolour techniques: wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, dry brushing, washes, and lifting.
  • Students practise each technique on small watercolour sheets, labelling them for future reference.
• Discussion (30 mins):
  • Group discussion on how watercolour differs from other painting mediums and its unique ability to create atmosphere and mood.

Class 2: Colour Exploration

• Mini Lesson (20 mins):
  • Colour theory: Primary vs Secondary colours, complementary colour pairing, and layering transparency.
• Practical Activity (100 mins):
  • Students create a “colour recipe chart” in their visual diaries. They experiment with blending, layering, and creating gradients, noting down ratio formulas used. Consider discussing the importance of "local colours" in natural landscapes and Namatjira’s use of vibrant hues.

---

Week 2: Analysing the Masters & Depth (4 Hours)

Class 1: Inspiring Artists

• Art Analysis (40 mins):
  • Break into small groups. Each group analyses and presents on a watercolour artist (e.g. Albert Namatjira, Joseph Lycett, J.M.W. Turner, Yvonne Koolmatrie who incorporates weaving patterns into landscape concepts). Analyse techniques, use of colour, and how artists responded to their environments or cultural backgrounds.
• Practical Exercise (80 mins):
  • Create a small copy/interpretation of one artist’s work to learn their techniques and style. Students also write a brief reflection on what they found challenging and interesting.

Class 2: Perspective and Layering

• Technique Workshop (50 mins):
  • “Building Depth in Landscape”: Learn a structured approach to watercolour layering—foreground, midground, background—incorporating techniques like glazing and masking fluid.
• Studio Time (70 mins):
  • Using a supplied Australian landscape photograph, students create a simple composition focusing on layering and depth.

---

Week 3: Developing Themes (4 Hours)

Class 1: Themes in Art

• Brainstorming Session (30 mins):
  • Students reflect on personal interests, cultural influences, and current social issues in their visual diaries.
• Practical Activity (90 mins):
  • Begin planning a personal project inspired by a chosen theme, informed by earlier explored artists. Students sketch compositions and experiment with colours/techniques in their diaries.

Class 2: Peer Feedback & Refinement

• Warm-Up Activity (20 mins):
  • “Gallery Walk”: Students rotate around the room, providing positive and constructive feedback on their peers' planning.
• Studio Time (100 mins):
  • Refine and finalise sketches, discussing options with the teacher and peers. Transition to first layers of painting. Teach importance of patience as each layer dries.

---

Week 4: Major Artwork Production (6 Hours)

Class 1–3:

• Entire focus is studio time to complete the final artwork. Teachers provide individualised feedback and guidance while students work.
• Encourage risk-taking with materials, but ensure students stay aligned to their compositions and themes.

---

Week 5: Reflection & Exhibition (2 Hours)

Class 1: Final Presentation and Reflection

• Gallery Setup (30 mins):
  • Students display their artworks with a short artist statement.
• Gallery Walk (40 mins):
  • Students view their peers’ work and write respectful critiques for 2-3 other pieces.
• Discussion Circle (20 mins):
  • Reflect on learning journey: What was the hardest skill to master? How did their final piece align with their intended theme?

Class 2: Summative Assessment and Celebration

• Assessment (40 mins):
  • Visual diaries and major artworks are submitted for evaluation. Feedback criteria adhere to Australian Curriculum guidelines.
• Celebration (40 mins):
  • Showcase artworks in a mini-exhibition for peers and parents. Discuss inspirations and techniques used.

---

Assessment

• Visual Diary (30%): Includes experiments, artist analyses, and reflections.
• Completed Artwork (50%): Assessed on application of techniques, concept relevance, and originality.
• Participation (20%): Engagement in discussions, critiques, and collaborative activities.

---

Extension Opportunities

• Advanced Techniques: For fast finishers, introduce them to new techniques like salt textures, negative space, or abstract watercolour pour art.
• Cross-Curricular Integration: Science (botanical watercolours) or Geography (landscape mapping with watercolours).
• Excursions: Visit a local gallery or outdoor plein-air painting experience.

---

This lesson plan encapsulates contemporary educational strategies, Australian cultural context, and creative freedom. A perfect scaffold for Year 9 students to explore the captivating medium of watercolour art!