Art Workshop with Ian Murphy

On 7th September, Year 9 students were given the amazing opportunity to meet and work with world-renowned artist Ian Murphy.

Students were able to see first-hand some of Ian’s sketchbooks and paintings as he explained to them how he works and where his ideas come from. They were able to flick through his fascinating sketchbooks and ask questions in a lovely relaxed environment at the start of the workshop day. Later, students watched live demonstrations from Ian as he talked them through his chosen materials and processes, before they were able to trial the same techniques themselves. The atmosphere throughout the day was fabulous, with students all engaged and inspired. Ian encouraged student’s to ‘have a go’ and not be too worried about producing the ‘perfect’ piece as they created a series of samples using layering, texture, mixed-media and inks. The emphasis was on ‘risk taking’ and embracing ’happy accidents’ to learn from and inform creative outcomes and open-minded experimentation. As an Art Department, we are delighted with this as we aim to harvest this mindset in all our students within their Art education here at PGHS!

Students gained a truly unique insight into Ian’s creative thought process, from initial small pen sketches gathered on his worldwide travels, to final canvas outcomes on a very large scale. Ian had brought a sample of these large pieces of work with him for us to view; one of which being approximately 10 feet long!

Feedback from the workshop was incredibly positive and students involved were very enthusiastic about what they had learned and experienced. As an Art department we were incredibly proud of all who took part, allowing themselves to step out of their ‘drawing comfort zone’. All students were impeccably behaved and were a credit to our school.

Mrs Gerrard

Art Department

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