The project began with pupils learning about Van Gogh’s life and his unique artistic style. They studied his bold brushstrokes, swirling textures, and expressive use of color, particularly in his renowned Sunflowers series.

Over the course of the unit, the young artists used watercolours, acrylic paint, and pastels to produce a wide range of sunflower artworks. Each medium offered a new challenge and helped students build different skills.

With watercolours, pupils explored how to create delicate washes and subtle blends, learning how gentle layers of pigment can suggest soft, sunlit petals. They experimented with techniques such as wet-on-wet blending and adding controlled splashes of color to mimic Van Gogh’s loose, expressive style.

Using acrylic paints, children experienced the joy of bold, vibrant color. They practiced applying thicker layers and textured brushstrokes to imitate the dynamic movement found in many of Van Gogh’s works. Many students enjoyed the freedom acrylics allowed, building up the paint to give their flowers a lively, three-dimensional quality.

Finally, with pastels, Year 3 focused on blending, shading, and mark-making. They discovered how layering pastel strokes could bring depth to their sunflower petals and how smudging techniques could create soft backgrounds that made their bright blooms stand out. Pastels also encouraged students to explore expressive lines and experiment with bold contrasts—another element reminiscent of Van Gogh’s energetic style.

Our pupils have certainly lived up to our art curriculum vision statement: 

Be creative.

Be proficient.

Be reflective.