Art Competition for Schools and Families| Primary 4–7

Theme: Magical Creatures and Fierce Monsters

These resources aim to encourage children to create their own artworks, inspired by artworks in the National Galleries of Scotland Collection.

Here you will find three key artworks to look at and discuss, with some additional images included below. There are suggestions of things to think about, what to make and examples of materials that can be used.

Things to think about:

  • How has this strange creature been made by the artists?
  • Can you identify different objects in the body of the creature?
  • How do you think it would move around?
  • Would different parts of the body make different noises?
  • Do you think it would have any special powers? What would they be?

 

Facts

Surrealist artists drew inspiration from the unconscious mind. They used games and dreams to help them create their art. The Cadavre Exquis (Exquisite Corpse) was a game they played where three or four people would add to a drawing, without seeing what anyone else had done. You can try this by folding a piece of paper in 3 and drawing a head, body and legs without looking at what the person before you has drawn.

Things to think about:

  • What is magical about the creature in the centre of the picture?
  • It looks like it has the body of one animal and the wings of another. What animals are they?
  • How do you think it would have flown through the air?
  • Would it have been easy for the knight to hold on? How would he have fought while the creature was flying?
  • Do you think the creature has any other magical powers?

 

Facts

The artist, Sir Joseph Noel Paton, was very interested in myths, legends and stories. He loved painting fairies and other magical creatures but he studied animals and plants in real life to make sure that the details in his pictures looked believable.

Things to think about:

  • What kind of creature do you think this is?
  • Do any parts of her body look like different animals? What is her hair made of?
  • What do you think her skin would feel like to touch?
  • How would she move?
  • Do you think her hair, body or tail would make a noise?
  • Do you think she is friendly or fierce?

 

Facts

This is a model of Medusa made by Ray Harryhausen for the film, Clash of the Titans (1981). Harryhausen used stop-motion animation to make Medusa appear to be fighting with the actors in the film. The character of Medusa comes from Ancient Greek mythology.

Image: Ray Harryhausen, Medusa model from Clash of the Titans, (about 1979), © The Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation (Charity No. SC001419)

Things to consider

Here are a few questions to help spark the imagination.

  • What kinds of magical creatures have you heard of?
  • What is a monster? Is a monster always scary?
  • What makes a creature scary? Its size, sharp claws, big teeth, colour, loud roar, ability to breathe fire?
  • What makes a creature magical? Wings, talking, magical powers - what could they be?
  • Where would your magical creature or fierce monster live? What would they eat?
  • What size would your creature be? As big as a house or small enough to fit in your pocket?
  • Is your creature furry, scaly, slimy, spikey or feathered?
  • What would your creature do if it met you? Would it let you ride on it? Would it show you some magic? Would it want to eat you up?
  • Think about different stories with fierce monsters and magical creatures in them, Greek myths and legends, fairy stories, stop-motion model animation in films: King Kong, Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts

 

Make

A picture of a magical creature or a fierce monster or both of them together. You could be in the picture as well if you like.

Use

Any materials, techniques or processes (for example drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, computer aided design, collage, montage) to make your piece. 

 

Curriculum for Excellence
 

Entering this competition can contribute to your teaching of Curriculum for Excellence and interdisciplinary learning. Here are some examples of what the children will be able to do in working towards their entries:

Expressive Arts Art and Design

I can create and present work that shows developing skill in using the visual elements and concepts. EXA 2-03a

Inspired by a range of stimuli, I can express and communicate my ideas, thoughts and feelings through activities in art and design. EXA 0-05a

I can respond to the work of artists and designers by discussing my thoughts and feelings. EXA 0-07a

Literacy and English

When I engage with others, I can respond in ways appropriate to my role, show that I value other’s contributions and use these to build on thinking. LIT 2-02a

I can show my understanding of what I listen to or watch by responding to literal, inferential, evaluative and other types of questions, and by asking different kinds of questions of my own. LIT 2-07a

Social Studies

I can use my knowledge of a historical period to interpret the evidence and present an informed view. SOC 3-01a

The National Galleries of Scotland Art Competition is proud to be supported by Players of People’s Postcode Lottery

Art Competition contact details

If you have any questions about the competition please get in touch.

[email protected]