Welcome to the Tesco Bank Art Competition for Schools 2018 The aim of this competition is to encourage school children to interact with and be inspired by artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland s Collection. Category E: Special Education Schools Theme Hair, Fur and Feathers
George Willison, James Boswell, 1740-1795. Diarist and biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson, 1765 Scottish National Gallery How splendid this man looks in his fur trimmed jacket which almost invites you to stroke it. What animal has given up its life so that this young man can look so fine and important? There was probably more than one animal involved. The gold brocade and buttons add to the feeling of luxury and wealth. But who is this looking down at him from the tree above? Another fine fellow of an owl dressed in his own natural plumage of feathers. George Wilson had a very rich uncle who paid for him to train as an artist. James Boswell s father was worried his son was wasting his time so sent him to Holland to study law but George was restless and travelled to other places. The owl might be a symbol of wisdom or it might be there to show that James liked to stay out late at night enjoying himself.
Agnes Miller Parker, Daisy Matthews (for Daisy Matthews and Three Other Tales by Rhys Davies), 1932 Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art The Artist s Estate What a cosy but extraordinary blanket to have. We usually find bear skins on floors not on beds. The furry bit is to the outside but what would the inside of a bear skin feel like? The bear has a kindly look but his claws show how strong and powerful he once was. The girl s hair curls and rolls like waves in the sea. The direction of the fur rises and sweeps over the shape of the body like a landscape. Agnes Miller Parker trained and then taught at Glasgow School of Art. Her husband was an artist too. She is best known for her wood engravings. She liked drawing animals, birds and fish and made illustrations for Aesop s Fables.
William Giles, Or Lady s Birds, 1908 Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art We know this peacock has a magnificent tail even though we are only getting a small glimpse of it. The female bird is rather drab in comparison but maybe she is happy not to be the centre of attention. Their tiny pin head crowns must wobble and wave as they walk, lifting their feet gracefully as they go. Where are they going? The square of stone steps, sand and blue sky are the only clues to help us. William Giles is said to be one of the most important and innovative British colour printmakers of the 20 th century. He studied Japanese woodcut printing when it was completely new to the Western world. His woodcuts are often mistaken for paintings as the colours blend so softly and beautifully together.
What do you have to do? Think about: HAIR Short, long, straight, wavy Curled, coiled, twisted, plaited Fringes, ponytails, partings Moustaches, whiskers, beards Blonde, brunette, redhead Eyebrows, eyelashes Hairdressers, barbers Combs, brushes, scissors, shampoo Medusa, Rapunzel, Santa Claus FUR Short, long, tidy, tangled Soft, smooth, coarse, springy Spotty, stripy, patchy, plain Light, dark Collars, hats, coats Robes for kings and queens Animal farms, protestors FEATHERS Peacocks, parrots, eagles, owls Feather hats, feather dusters, feather quills Pillows, mattresses, cushions Dress uniforms, Indian chiefs Make: Use: A picture inspired by hair, fur and/or feathers. It can be realistic or abstract. Any materials, techniques or processes (for example drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, computer aided design, collage, montage) to make your piece as long as each entry is two-dimensional. It can be A4 or A3 or A2 in size.
Entries will be judged on: Originality and creativity Confident handling of materials Boldness and impact *****PLEASE NOTE THAT PUPILS FROM SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS ARE WELCOME TO ENTER IN ANY CATEGORY AS LONG AS IT IS AGE APPROPRIATE We hope that entering this competition will help contribute to your teaching of Curriculum for Excellence in many different and exciting ways at a level appropriate to the abilities of your pupils.