African art provides a whole new world for young artists to explore. Many will be inspired by the unusual forms and the chance to explore the subject in a multicultural way. This site offers an online exhibition and a feature on the African mask. A section devoted to African art on the web provides a good selection of links for further work.

www.lib.virginia.educlemonsRMCexhib93.ray.aaAfrican.html

Art Cyclopedia (KS4,5)

This extensive site provides a quick reference to most major artists and many of their works. More than 7,500 artists are listed, all of whom may be searched by alphabetical order, nationality, movement, medium or subject. The site is well illustrated and there is a good range of links if detailed biographies are required.

www.artcyclopedia.com

Art Education (KS1-5)

Some areas are free, others require a subscription. There is a chance to communicate with art teachers from other parts of the world. Other features include galleries of child art, articles and database of 500 art websites.

www.arteducation.co.uk

Click Teaching (KS1, 2)

For key stage 1 there is a case study using seeds for a collage, as well as an exploration of colour and shade through painting. Key stage 2 teachers may select from resources on clay work, colour, materials, paper work and sculpture. Activities include stained glass windows and sea-shore modelling. Details of materials and preparation needed are provided.

www.clickteaching.com

Great Artists (KS1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

The great feature of this tremendous site is that it covers a vast number of the world’s best artists. For each artist, there is a biography and examples of their work. Just click on the small illustration for a high quality enlargement. The example given in the web address here is Turner, but to access the work of other artists, just enter their name at the end of the address instead of his (use lower case). A wonderful resource from the University of Central Florida.

www.oir.ucf.eduwmpaintauthturner

Henry Moore (KS3, 4, 5)

The Henry Moore Foundation promotes art appreciation and its activities include exhibitions of his work and support for contemporary artists. Students should find the colour photographs of Moore’s work inspirational and there is a thorough biography. The site is well illustrated and navigation is easy. Schools are able to upload photographs of their art and educational packs are available for schools visiting the Foundation in Hertfordshire where there are many examples of the sculptor’s fascinating creations.

www.henry-moore-fdn.co.ukhmf

ICA (KS3, 4, 5)

The Institute of Contemporary Arts offers access to online exhibitions and features examples of the best web-based art and design. Screen savers, commissioned by the ICA can be downloaded free and a digital artist scheme provides web-space to artists who wish to experiment with online work.

www.ica.org.uk

Child Art (KS1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

The International Child Art Foundation is a Washington DC based non-profit organisation which aims to unite children world-wide through art. They are encouraged to create and scan in works for display in the foundation’s online gallery. The foundation also arranges international festivals of children’s art, creativity workshops and interactive online activities. Articles for teachers and other adults about the importance of creativity in child development are provided.

www.icaf.org

Islamic Art (KS 4, 5)

Dedicated to Islamic architecture, coins, calligraphy and oriental rugs, the site is text-heavy but there are illustrations as subsection links and in dedicated gallery sections. Details of the development of artistic styles are covered as well as the effect of Islamic art on the West. The tools and equipment used are explained and information is also given about schools that teach Islamic art.

www.islamicart.com

Primary Resources (KS1, 2)

After being off-line for a few months, this site is back and packed with a great range of resources for all subjects. Silhouettes, clay work and sticky-back plastic are featured in the craft work section. There are also examples of children’s work inspired by Cezanne, Picasso and others. One great idea is for zig-zag pictures which use two contrasting seascapes, cut into strips and mingled.

www.primaryresources.co.uk

Teaching Ideas (KS1, 2)

“Ideas” are what this website is noted for and many teachers find this a life-saver. Some of the projects detailed include the use of feelings and emotions in art, mixing colour, and making mobiles. Plans are given for making ceiling stars, butterflies and starburst effects. Other highlights include resist patterns, picture frames and 3-D work.

Two activities are based on Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Starry Night paintings. All the ideas have been provided by teachers.

www.teachingideas.co.ukart

Gallery websites

National Gallery

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

National Portrait Gallery

www.npg.org.uk

Royal Academy

www.royalacademy.org.uk

Tate galleries

www.tate.org.uk