School of Art & Design
Art section
Famous Artist Visits Our School
Famous contemporary figurative artist, Mark Demsteader visited our school on Wednesday 2nd December 2009 to work with our sixth form students.
We were able to ask questions about his work, techniques and inspirations. He gave us a demonstration, followed by advice as we tried out his techniques – it took many of us out of our comfort zones and our own preferred styles, this enabled us to be able to work with a looser approach, develop new skills and to take risks.
Mark Demsteader was born in Manchester in 1963 where he still lives and works. He studied at Rochdale College, Oldham Art College and The Slade. Before he became a famous artist he was a Butcher and an Art Technician. Mark has won several awards and many important collectors have bought his work. He exhibits his work across the United Kingdom.
‘Mark’s work has developed from a fascination with the human form and an
obsession with classical themes’, states his web biography, ‘These pre-
occupations can be seen in recent paintings where his close observation
combines with surface texture and carefully balanced compositions to create a
beautiful and powerful representation of the figure’.
Art And Craft Workshop
In February, the Art department launched a new after school art club, providing an exciting opportunity for key stage 3 students who enjoy all aspects of Art to ‘get creative’!
Students have fun designing and making projects at the Art and Craft Workshop, experimenting and creatively expressing themselves, practising and developing their artistic abilities, learning new skills, developing their hobbies, making new friends and having fun in a relaxed, friendly environment, whilst gaining access to a wide variety of different crafts, mediums and resources.
Students have already had their first taster of working with clay, they have
decorated paper mache trinket boxes and made simple bead bracelets. Future
projects include an introduction to mod roc sculptures, batik pictures, candle
making, acrylic glass painting, decoupage card making, basket weaving, more
clay work, as well as learning different painting techniques such as marbling.
Art Gallery Photos
Please find below a selection of art work produced by Francis Combe Academy students, recently displayed at Nicky Williams charity event evening.
