Under The Sea

Coral Reefs.

Why are they so

important?

Life in the coral reef, also known as an Eco System(Ecological System). A coral reef is the starting point of ALL life in the ocean.

The coral reef is an essential part of the biodiversity in all oceans, in all the world.

A healthy coral reef is brimming with life. In a healthy coral reef you will find a range of creatures- some beyond your wildest imagination.

What is an Eco System?

Can you think of any words that spring to mind, when you think of an eco system?

Life. Evolution. Habitat. Nature. Adaptation. Powerful. Vulnerable.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety and variability of life on Earth. Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in a habitat, eco system or the world.

The destruction of biodiverse habitats and eco systems, through pollution and other environmental factors, is having a huge impact on the world, and species within it.

Coral ReefsWhy are they so

important?

Coral Reefs are a vital part of the Bio-Diversity of ALL

ocean life.Many coral reefs are in decline for a number of

reasons such as pollution, tourism and global

warming.

Coral reefs are beautiful ocean environments, full of life, full of colour, and a

place for discovery.

Art and Science

Coral Reef Creation

For this project you will learn and share facts about Coral Reefs.You can use your imagination and knowledge to create a piece of art based on the life found in a coral reef.You will be able to practice a variety of techniques and processes when making your art.

Keywords for this project.

Colour. Coral Reef. Texture. Biodiversity. Perspective. Ecological System. Explore. Experiment. Imagination.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k81odhXg2Lw

David DeCaires Taylor is a British artist

who specialises in sculpture.

This image is of Ocean Atlas. It is the largest underwater sculpture in the world. Ocean Atlas is in the Bahamas.

If you can, prepare yourself with a pen or pencil, paper or notebook. You can make sketches and write notes.

You may enjoy watching this footage with others at home, so invite them to participate if they can.

After watching the video, return to the power point presentation.

Watch the 8 minute video-

I hope you found that footage fascinating.David DeCaires Taylor uses all natural materials in his Under the Sea Sculptures.

All of his sculptures are designed and created to support the biodiversity of ocean life. All projects are carefully coordinated with a variety of specialist people, such as engineers,

scientists, marine biologists ( to name a few) to ensure that the sculptures can create opportunities for life and development.

These sculptures become living entities.

Your Under The Sea Art Project: Coral Reef Creation.

What is your idea of a coral reef? Imagine. What shapes and sizes are the coral? What colour combinations can you see? Are there creatures living in the reef or swimming around?...Close your eyes and imagine your coral reef.

To create your Coral Reef Creation you can practice and explore skills in drawing, painting and mixed media techniques.

This project will encourage you to use materials of all types. This is an opportunity to have fun and practice and discover traditional and original techniques.

Formal elements that you will have the opportunity to explore are:

Line. Shape. Colour. Texture. Tone. Shading Techniques. Perspective. Layer.

So now it is time for you to create your Coral Reef!

Fill your background with details that are full of life!Use a variety of shapes, lines, textures and colours to create the coral.

Draw coral with different sizes and shapes.

Layer colours, tone and shading techniques.

Perspective

Include details in the foreground ( Front)

Middle ground

Background

Step 1: Plan your drawing.

I used the outline of my hand to represent the shape of coral.

I overlapped the outline of my hand to create layers and different shapes. Show perspective of size by drawing coral in the foreground

(front) large, and coral in the middle ground and background much smaller. This will show depth in your artwork.

Once you have your drawing planned you can create your background!

Fun Fun Fun!

Paint water over the felt tip to create ‘water textures’

▪ Do not add too much water.▪ If you create a texture or effect that you like LEAVE it

and let it dry.

Use old pens to make marks and add water to blend the

colours.

☺

The slides will show you how to create an ocean background.❖ If you have felt tip pens that are beginning to dry out you can use them to

‘paint’. ❖ You can use cling film and tin foil to create interesting textures if you have

paint.

Paint a small section. Press cling film onto the

wet paint to create creases and texture.

Lift the cling film to see the texture you have created and let

it dry.

You can press the wet cling film ( covered with paint) onto your paper to create more texture.

Take creative risks and have fun!

If you don’t have paint you can use felt tip pens.

*Old pens will work best.

Draw a variety of lines and marks on your background. If you have different tones of

blue, use both colours.

Hold your paper up to create a dripping effect.

Explore how the marks and colours you have

used can blend together.

Scrunch up a small piece of tin foil and add

paint or water to one side.

Press the painted or wet side onto your background.

Repeat this printing process to create a variety of textures.

Focus on creating a sense of movement in your background to represent water.When your background is complete you can now add colour and texture with a variety of shading techniques to the coral.

What formal elements can you identify?

Shape. Tone. Layer. Texture. Line

How could I improve my drawing?

I could add more smaller examples of coral to the

background- to show perspective of size.

I could add more Texture to the foreground- to show perspective

of texture.

I could add light colours to my background and bold, dark,

bright colours to the foreground. This will show perspective of

colour.

Remember: Colour fades in the background

Have fun completing your Coral Creation ☺