In the Classroom: Arts

Grade 8 and 9 Art students are expanding their artistic toolkit as they learn oil pastel techniques. Building on previous units in shading, contrast, perspective, and composition, they’re now seeing how these foundational skills translate to a vibrant, fully saturated medium.

Students begin by practicing blending and layering on small bookmark designs inspired by the Northern Lights. They will then apply these techniques to create A4 artworks that highlight oil pastels’ unique ability to produce rich, luminous color, and smooth gradients. This project strengthens their understanding of contrast and composition while allowing them to explore the expressive potential of working with intense, saturated color — a shift from their earlier graphite and colored pencil work.

Through this balance of technical skill-building and creative exploration, students gain a deeper understanding of how different mediums can shape the mood and impact of their art.