The funding for the art work in the four primary schools gave an exceptional experience
to the children involved. Each school chose its group of children (8 - 10 year olds)
by differing criteria. A professional botanical artist, Martin Allen, from Wildflower
Ark, taught the children in exactly the same way that he teaches adult classes, except
that the adults would have three days to complete a painting, whereas the children
had only one day. The task was to draw a wildflower as botanically accurate as possible.
The children had a 15 minute demonstration from Martin and were then given one hour
to draw their plant. Next, the children learnt how to accurately transfer their
drawing on to a piece of watercolour paper. It was the first time that most children
had used water paints and some found the work difficult, which was why their initial
drawings were also later displayed. Martin then gave them a ten minute demonstration
on how to paint and the children had one hour to colour in their drawings. While
they were working, Martin, with the class teacher and class assistants, went around
helping and encouraging the children. The children were able to concentrate on their
paintings and drawings throughout the day. Martin was impressed by how hard they
tried at every task and how they were always willing to try again.
Martin assessed the children’s work, deciding which three per class were worthy of
special comment
