Harbour Inspiration

Overview

This 45-minute lesson for Year 5 (Stage 3) students explores creative expression inspired by Ken Done’s vibrant Sydney Harbour artworks. Students will develop their artistic voice while learning to use visual conventions and processes to communicate ideas and feelings linked to this iconic Australian theme.

Learning Objectives

• Express artistic ideas and discoveries inspired by Ken Done’s Sydney Harbour theme
• Use visual arts processes and materials to create expressive artworks
• Communicate meaning through visual conventions including colour, line, shape, and form
• Reflect on their creative decisions and share their work with peers

Aligned with the Australian Curriculum v9:

• AC9AVA6C01: Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to plan and create artworks that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning (Years 5-6 Visual Arts)
• AC9AVA6E01: Explore ways that visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials combine to communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning (Years 5-6 Visual Arts)
• Emphasis on expressing own ideas and making artistic discoveries through experimentation and personal interpretation of theme

Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

Class Size: 20 students

---

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Inspiration (10 minutes)

• Show students colourful examples of Ken Done’s Sydney Harbour artworks (printed or projected).
• Discuss key features such as vibrant colours, energetic brush strokes, simplified shapes, and how Done expresses the liveliness of Sydney Harbour.
• Ask guided questions:
  • What feelings or ideas do these artworks give you about Sydney Harbour?
  • How does Ken Done use colour and shapes to show this place?
• Explain that students will create their own artworks inspired by Done’s style and Sydney Harbour theme, focusing on expressing their own ideas and feelings.

2. Artistic Exploration & Creation (25 minutes)

Materials:

• Watercolour paints and brushes
• White A4 or A3 paper
• Pencils and erasers
• Black fine liners or markers (for outlines)
• Colour palettes (primary and secondary colours)

Activity Steps:

• Students sketch an initial design inspired by Sydney Harbour — bridges, water, boats, or skyline — focusing on bold shapes and simple forms rather than detailed realism.
• Encourage them to experiment with vibrant, contrasting colours inspired by Done’s palette.
• Introduce brush techniques such as broad washes alongside dabs or dry brush textures to mimic Done’s energetic style.
• Once the painting is dry, students reinforce shapes and lines with black markers to mirror the graphic style Done often employs.

Teacher prompts to support creativity:

• "Can you use colours that make your artwork feel sunny and lively?"
• "How can you simplify the shapes of the harbour to capture its essence?"
• "What different brush movements can you try to show movement and light?"

3. Reflection & Sharing (10 minutes)

• Pair students to discuss their artworks, addressing:
  • What aspects of Sydney Harbour did you try to show?
  • What colours or shapes did you choose and why?
  • What did you discover about expressing feelings or atmosphere in your painting?
• Invite some students to share insights or describe how their artwork communicates their ideas.
• Provide positive and constructive feedback highlighting their use of visual conventions and individual expression.

---

Assessment

• Observation of student engagement and experimentation during painting.
• Completed artworks demonstrating application of bright colours, simplified shapes, and expressive lines.
• Student verbal explanation reflecting their artistic choices and discoveries.
• Alignment of work with curriculum: evidence of communicating ideas and perspectives visually (AC9AVA6C01).
• Teacher checklist noting use of visual conventions and process engagement.

---

Differentiation

• Provide template sketches or stencils of Sydney Harbour landmarks for students who need support.
• Extend open-ended by encouraging advanced students to add patterns or textured details inspired by Done’s brushwork.
• Allow peer collaboration for idea sharing and encouragement.

---

Resources

• High-quality images of Ken Done’s Sydney Harbour artworks
• Watercolour painting set and paper
• Black markers/fine liners
• Colour mixing palettes

---

Curriculum Links Summary

• AC9AVA6C01: Creating artworks with visual conventions communicating ideas and meaning.
• AC9AVA6E01: Exploring how artists combine conventions, processes, and materials to communicate ideas.
• Focus on students expressing artistic ideas and discoveries in a personal, imaginative way relevant to Australian cultural contexts

---

This lesson plan merges Australian Curriculum rigor with a dynamic, culturally relevant theme encouraging young artists to discover and express their personal connection to Sydney Harbour, inspired by an iconic Australian artist’s joyful style.