Mindfulness and Monet in Year 2

Year 2 students spent a peaceful afternoon in the Thai Sala garden, painting natural scenery in the style of Claude Monet. Having learned about Monet’s works in their Art lessons, Year 2 students created a mini pond by cutting cardstock into the shape of a pond, then painting it in an Impressionist style using a sponge and a mix of green and teal paints. They also adorned their mini ponds with paper lilies. After the mini ponds were complete, the students used the opposite side as a traditional artist’s palette. Just as Monet painted outside, inspired by his natural surroundings, Year 2 set up easels in the Thai Sala garden for this lesson. Creating art in a wonderful environment is a great opportunity to engage in quiet observation and mindfulness. The Primary Arts Department encourages children to visit local parks or other natural spaces with some creative equipment to spend some time intentionally interacting with their surroundings.