LO’s: (L1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth) (L2:  Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken developing new skills, )(L5:  Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively)

I am always inclined towards visual arts, I have been practicing visual arts since grade 1. I have spent almost 7 years in this school. I always wanted to paint the empty walls in school and make them look creative and memorable, more like leaving a mark before graduation. I took CAS as an opportunity to fulfill this. It was my first time making murals. Before actually making the murals, we listed some places where we could do that. Like the glass door of the VA room, at block 5, the story well in block 3, and the amphitheater in block 2. We came up with several spots and painted them. We painted the glass of the VA room door, one of the cupboards in the VA room, the story well, and the wall in front of the VA room.

First, we decided to paint the door glass of the VA room. While painting the glass, I got to know that the brush moves really smoothly on the glass when compared to paper. It was my first time painting on glass.  

(L1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth)

 I usually fear making mistakes while painting which may result in an unsuccessful outcome. But once I started putting colors and when I moved forward I was able to overcome the fear as I realized that mistakes can be resolved as well.  We used acrylic as the medium which I was familiar with so I didn’t have any troubles while painting. 

(L5:  Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively)

 We collaboratively decided to make sunflowers on the glass which made the work easier and really helped in completing the work quickly. We took reference from the series “Sunflowers” by Vincent Van Gogh. I initially practiced sunflower in watercolor due to which I had a clear idea of an ideal sunflower. Firstly we drew a basic sketch with a black permanent marker. Then, we first figured out the color pallet in the series and took out the color in our pallet accordingly. 

(L2:  Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken developing new skills, )

The challenge in this experience was to have a perfect outcome at once as we didn’t practice before and started painting directly. However, through teamwork, I was able to overcome this challenge and work on it without any repercussions. The door looked amazing. I painted using strokes. I learned about the techniques and skills required while painting on a glass which will help me in my future artworks. Such as using more color than water and painting skills.

I developed my reflective skills as I reflected upon my previous skills in mural painting also I was a communicator as I communicated my ideas through art. I was a risk-taker as I took a risk to paint on school property and painted without any mistakes as acrylic paints do not come out on walls so the first attempts need to be proper. I really enjoyed doing this project as it made me feel creative and productive. I would consider this experience successful as we were able to represent what we wanted to.