Nora Heysen   The Cedars 1911-1933  
  London 1934-1937
 
 
Education Material: Year 11-12 Art   The Chalet 1947-present  
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Light Matters: An exploration of Heysen's approach to light

This activity relates to Level 6 of the National Profiles in The Arts.

This activity is designed to explore the way different kinds of light affect colours and shadows.

Set up a still life for students. Include a clear glass vase containing water and flowers, a piece of cloth, and some fruit in contrasting colours.

Discuss with students the following Nora Heysen works, pay particular attention to the TYPE of light the students think was used (natural, artificial, gas lamp, torch, etc.). Discuss ways light can change composition, mood, and meaning, in a painting.

Spring Light, c.1938
From a Cottage Garden, 1935
Apples on a Chair, 1987
Peaches, 1989

Allow students to observe the still life in natural lighting. Ask them to QUICKLY record the still life. For this experiment you may want them to use coloured pencils, conte or crayons, something they can work with quickly and easily.

Using a torch, highlight parts of the still life. Ask students to quickly record the changes.

Using a large spotlight (or lamp), change the light source on the still life and ask students to quickly record the changes.

Cover the spotlight or torch with coloured cellophane, record changes.

If possible, black out the windows. Use a candle (or a bunch of them) to light the still life. Ask students to record changes.

Display a selection of the works (very informally) for a discussion session with the class. Use a variety of different lighting styles and ensure each student is represented. Set up rules of discussion prior to display, no open insulting of work or students, all comments to be constructive.

How do the lighting styles change?

Which lighting style made the still life the most interesting?

Does the mood change with the lighting?

What mood could be represented with each lighting style?

Which lighting appeared to be the most effective?

Ask students to build their favourite sketch into a more complete work using their favourite medium.

Level 6, National Profiles, The Arts

This suggested activity relates to Level 6 of the National Profiles, The Arts.

A student

  • Makes visual art works using knowledge and understanding of art styles from different cultures
  • Makes and designs art works that use key elements and appropriate skills, techniques and processes for the style and mediums chosen
  • Analyses and responds to a range of visual art works using appropriate language and terminology both orally and in writing
  • Identifies the styles and features of visual arts from different social and cultural groups and reflects knowledge gained in visual arts activities
  • Identifies changes over time in the use of and application of materials, techniques, traditions of employment, and career paths in art, craft and design