Year Ten Art Workshop

Professional artist Ian Cumberland speaks to Year Ten pupils during his visit to the school on Tuesday 28th January.

On Tuesday 28th January Grosvenor’s Art department had the privilege to work with the highly successful artist Ian Cumberland as he ran an engaging and highly worthwhile workshop for a number of the School’s most enthusiastic year ten pupils.

During the workshop pupils were able to experiment with mixing colours, learning about colour theory and using a limited palette. It was a pleasure to hear Ian talk about his education in Art & Design, especially given that current GGS Art teachers Mrs Blair and Mrs Denvir-Watson both taught him during his time in the school, nurturing his extraordinary talent and facilitating him in his ambition to become a professional artist. 

During the session, Ian spoke of how achieved his career goals by being focused and driven at all times. After studying a Fine Art Degree, he was recognised by the international art world when he was awarded the prestigious ‘Davy Prize for Art’, while he also achieved third place in the renowned ‘BP Portrait Awards’.

Those pupils in attendance were delighted by the workshop and had the opportunity to ask Ian questions about his work at the conclusion of the event. Some of our pupils had previously seen Ian’s work exhibited in the Ulster Museum, during an extracurricular visit with the Art Club, and very much benefitted from meeting and hearing from the man himself.

Many thanks to Ian for taking the time to visit the school – hopefully his wise words will have inspired many of our pupils as they look to pursue their artistic ambitions to GCSE level and beyond.