Early Years adventure: Morning in a Wood by Harry Watson
Our third early years adventure this week is inspired by an oil painting in Gallery Oldham’s collection called ‘Morning in a Wood’ by Harry Watson. It beautifully captures the experience of playing in a forest on a summer morning, with the sunlight peeking through the trees.
Watson was an English landscape painter and portrait artist born in 1871. He studied at Scarborough school of art before moving on to Lambeth school of art and later the Royal College of art. Watson practised En plein air painting, which is the technique of painting outdoors. This technique was a favourite of the impressionist movement and artists such as John Constable and J.M.W Turner.
Did you know that the gallery looks after hundreds of paintings including work by these two artists? Why not visit the Art UK website to see their artworks.
Mud Painting Activity
Imagine you are taking a walk in the woods on a sunny day with your family.
What can you see, smell and hear?
Are there any animals or birds making noises?
Do the shadows make shapes?
Early years mud painting – Get outside and be inspired by nature to make your own artwork. Have a go at our mud painting activity using natural materials such as twigs and leaves as your paintbrush.
Have fun, explore and get messy – and don’t forget to share your muddy masterpieces with us on social media @galleryoldham.
We hope you have enjoyed this weeks early years adventure and look forward to seeing all of your wonderful creations next week.
What's involved?
Click here Morning in a Wood’ by Harry Watson. to be inspired by our picture from our collection and download our worksheet here Early years mud painting to create your very own masterpiece.
Why get involved?
It's a great way to be creative with your little ones and make your very own piece of outdoor art!
How to get involved?
Step 1: Log in to Take Part
Step 2: Accept the Challenge so we know you are taking part
Step 3: Follow the links above to create your outdoor masterpiece and share them with us @galleryoldham #galleryoldham.