Winter Trees

Winter trees are understated and beautiful.

The children spent the afternoon exploring different ways of portraying trees. The elements of line, colour, shape, texture and form were investigated along the way.

Large sheets of brown paper were fastened to the wall and a range of drawing materials provided. These included felt pen, charcoal, graphite and soft pastels. Sometimes large empty spaces can be intimidating but the children embraced this new challenge with confidence and curiosity.

Silver birch trees inspired these striking, graphic images. Masking tape was attached to cartridge paper to create tree trunks and branches. Intense watercolours were used and rock salt dusted over the top. The salt absorbed excessive paint and once dry left beautiful mottled effects. A little bit of splatter painting suggested twinkly stars. The masking tape was carefully removed and drawn lines applied to add character and detail.

We provided a range of loose parts that included twigs, pipe cleaners, wire, string, bag ties, clay, alder cones and beech nuts for the children to explore form and shape. Little animals appeared from nowhere and included in the structures. Just delightful. This was a great activity for problem solving and refining fine motor skills.