Teachers Corner

Teachers Corner 2020 is a celebration of creativity which was extended to all those working in education across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. We wanted to demonstrate to students that teachers are artists too, as well as highlight the importance of staying creative during difficult times. The response was fantastic, with almost 40 people submitting an amazing array of art works, many created while in lockdown. Thanks to everyone who contributed and shared their talents!

We would also like to say a huge thank you to Arts Council England whose Emergency Funding made this project possible!

Anita Chamberlain, British International School, Stavanger, Norway

The work was completed during the lock down period due to Covid-19. They are part of a series of images where I have used lines, shapes and colours to represent feelings.

Daydreaming #1, Ink, pastels

Eggs, Ink, pastels

Ann Murphy, St. Michael's Catholic Primary School, Widnes

Art has always played a big part in my life. On a warm sunny Saturday morning I would take my sketch book and pencil to the corner of my street and draw what I could see. Buildings at that time fascinated me especially my old school which I first drew aged 9 and have re drawn recently. Pencil is my favourite medium to work with and faces soon became one of my interests for drawing facial features. Painting also allowed me to explore different techniques and styles and allowed me to become creative by introducing a variety of unusual items to paint with which is something I encourage the children in my art classes to explore with also.

Indian Chief, Pencil

Lavender Pot, Watercolour

My Old School, Pencil

Anne Kelly, Rice Lane Primary, Liverpool

From a very young age, art has always been my passion. It helps me to relax and to switch off from the world. I love to inspire my pupils with art; I believe that art is crucial to their development and well being. Art is accessible to all- it is inclusive- it does not discriminate- art is all around us. I love the excitement on children's faces when they know that we are just about to begin an art lesson; it is so special to them and they know that they will have the opportunity to express themselves. I'm not sure if I have a particular style when it comes to my own artwork, I tend to have an idea and then roll with it! I love the use of bright, eye-catching colours and I often like to contrast colour with pencil. Creating art for my friends and family is one of my favourite things to do- I love the opportunity to catch a glimmer of their personality through my art. Animals are one of my favourite subjects when I create a piece of art- they are so wise looking and have so much expression- I love the intricate detail around their eyes!

Frida Covid, Acrylic Paint and Pencil

Animals in Flower crowns, Acrylic Paint and Pencil

Regal Tiger, Acrylic

Danny Metz, Blackmoor Park Junior School, Liverpool

I’m learning watercolour using a book where you can practise some of Turner’s techniques. I used a chapter about painting moonlight scenes to paint the smaller pictures. The larger beach scene is oil on canvas. I was trying to paint in thin layers. It’s not quite finished but it’s nearly there.

English Bay, Vancouver, Oil on Canvas

Moonlight Liverpool, Watercolour and White Goache

Moonlight Scene, Watercolour and White Goache

Diane Sheron, Stepping stones PRU, Lancaster

Made from driftwood collected from the beach.

Driftwood, Wood

Emma Jacobs, Frith Manor Primary School, London

I try not to be too precious about the materials I use, especially during lockdown. I've recycled Amazon brown packaging paper for painting on to make collages. I've used wallpaper lining from under the stairs to paint on and taken inspiration from nature and world events. I've also set myself daily exercises like 1 hour time limits to focus my ideas and approach. I've learnt to value my childlike marks and take them seriously. As an EYFS teacher I am inspired by the work of my pupils and how naturally they express themselves. The artwork I am submitting are painted collages on wallpaper lining and acrylic paint on board.

Bristol, Collage

Lockdown Tulips, Acrylic on Board

Poppies and Crows, Collage

Emma Wright, The Oaks Academy, Cheshire

I love photography as a vehicle of expression combining technical skills with creativity. I believe that photographs should evoke an emotion or memory that is captured to keep forever. My favourite photographic subjects are found within nature such as flowers, animals and landscapes. I also enjoy experimenting with different techniques and using accessories such as filters and crystals to add additional colour to my photographs and develop my ideas further. I love the creative potential of software such as Lightroom and Photoshop but when I photograph nature I like to keep any editing I do natural so that it suits what I am photographing. I think Ansel Adams who said 'you don't take a photograph, you make it' and also Henri Cartier-Bresson who said 'for me, the camera is a sketchbook, an instrument of intuition and spontaneity' perfectly define the power of photography.

Cherry Blossom Paradise, Photography

Meerkat Alert, Photography

Dandelion Dreams, Photography

Fiona Johnston, Simon Balle Through School, Hertford

Ultimate art in the garden during lockdown.

Mona Lisa, Photography

Helen Perry, Andover College, Hampshire

My work is process driven and largely based around science and materials. Primarily focuses on microscopic detail and chemistry and is print and ceramics based

Kaolin, Porcelain and Wood

Coppercarb, Terracotta and Walnut

Gold, Collages collographs

Helen Wade, The Heath School, Liverpool

Hello everyone, hope you've enjoyed spending time making art while we were all in lockdown. I have. My best bits were watching "Grayson's Art Club" on channel4 every week, and then having a go. I love Grayson Perry, his laugh is brilliant and it makes me smile. I loved seeing him in his studio, with his cool wife Phil, Kevin their cat. I enjoyed seeing guests like Noel Fielding and Harry Hill. It's been great fun. I messaged our students and sent the link to our staff to watch it too. Loads of them did, they even had a go, and they found it really uplifting. That's what I love about Art. I liked Animal Week so I decided when I was in school with our keyworkers students, I did an afternoon of art. They all had a go, starting by watching a bit of GraysonsArtClub, then looking through books about animals and choosing one they wanted to have a go at. For my go I chose Japanese Koi Carp, theyre beautiful they make ripples in the water when they swim and their colours are so bold. I used oil pastels because they're quick and easy to blend, you can make lots of bright colours and you can even scratch back into them so they're even great for mark-making. It was a hot, sunny day so I did it outside (like Liza Tarbuck in her episode). My cat Foxie joined me and I played bbc6music so I had a top afternoon.

Koi, Oil Pastel on Sugar Paper

Holly Ayre, Marshfield's School, Peterborough.

As an artist I have always been experimental, trying out various techniques and methods to see how far I am able to push myself and the materials I am working with. During my degree, where I studied Fine Art, I was primarily interested in the fine line that exists between painting and sculpture. I created pieces using traditional "painting" materials and turned them into sculptural works Paint Sculpture #8 is an example of one of these pieces. Portraits have always interested me for the way they capture moments in time. I enjoy working with pencil as I am able to focus on details and learn a persons face and personality whilst studying and replicating them through my drawing. Aneilla #1 is a piece I have only recently created of my daughter, showing her inquisitive nature. Acrylic pours are something I found whilst in the early stages of my teacher training. I use this technique with all my classes from years 7 upwards. I have found it to be enjoyable and exciting, especially for my students, who are amazed at all the different effects they can achieve and how everyone is able to access this method and create amazing work, no matter their prior ability. Galaxy and Space #3 was a piece I created to show my students how to use the "Dirty Flip Pour" technique, which I made as they watched during a demonstration.

Aneilla #1, Pencil

Galaxy and Space #3, Acrylic Paint and flow mediums

Paint Sculpture #8,, Acrylic Paint

Ildiko Szabo, St Hildas, Liverpool

I use freeform knitting, crochet and fabric manipulation techniques. As a former costume maker, I take inspiration form the world of theatre, books, and fantasy. For technical and construction skills I study natural forms, architecture and folk/tribal arts and crafts. My love of vibrant colours comes from my rich Hungarian heritage of folk embroidery.

Four Seasons and The Scarlet Pimpernel, Freeform knitting/crochet & fabric manipulation

Springtime in Autumn , Freeform knitting/crochet

Abstract,, Freeform knitting/crochet

Iraam Naaz, Iqra Academy, Bradford

Art is a form of expressing myself. It is a therapeutic outlet which enables me to escape from busy, everyday life. Art is my favourite subject to teach because it never fails to put a smile on the faces of those I teach. I believe every child is an artist and as their teacher, I hope to encourage them with my own artwork. My art is inspired by the beautiful world around me. I like to use a range of materials, but I have recently enjoyed the challenge of mastering the art of coloured pencils.

Colours of Nature, Coloured Pencils

Tranquility, Coloured Pencils

Wild,, Coloured Pencils

Ivan McKane, Ballymoney High, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Digital art produced using XP Pen tablet and Clip Studio Software. My graphic Design background has steered me in working with clean cut realism. The ability to zoom in really close to render, especially when your eyesight is failig, is a blessing.

Patience of a King, Digital

Redeemed, Digital

Furlough,, Digital

Jayne Worrall, Meadowside CP & Nursery School, Warrington

I love all kinds of creative arts; especially watercolours and mixed media. I have been taking watercolour lessons for a couple of years now and the artwork I have submitted have been inspired by those lessons. I like nature and landscapes and am slowly finding my 'style'. Art helps to relax and focus me and I love getting 'lost in the moment' through painting.

Winter, Watercolour

Teasles, Watercolour

Reflection,, Watercolour

Jena Olsen, One School Global, Biggleswade

Drawing has always given me a deep sense of satisfaction, delving deep into the intricate details and the meditative affects brought on by the repetitive process of looking, shading, mark making, checking, assessing, correcting, each drawing being a challenging and fulfilling journey. During lockdown I have been exploring my creative voice and how I can use art to comment on the challenges we face as human beings at this the defining, pivotal point in our history. "In My Lifetime" is about racial inequality and discrimination experienced in the lifetimes of some still living today and how we need to learn from history to create a fairer world for all. "The Last Elephant" represents how the fragile balance of earths’ future lies in our hands and the possible outcomes if we continue on our destructive trajectory. "We Will Not Be Silenced" pays tribute to all those who demonstrate against inequality and the earths destruction and the strength of today’s youth in having their voices heard. My process is to draw from photographs using a variety of materials including biro, pen, chalks and colour pencils. I then use photoshop for editing and background compositions

In My Lifetime, Biro and Photoshop

We Will Not Be Silenced, Chalk, Charcoal and Photoshop

The Last Elephant, Biro Photoshop

Jim Collis, Alsop High, Liverpool

Iglesia Espanola , Acrylic on Canvas

Moroccan Bird, Acrylic on Canvas

Almond Blossom,, Acrylic and Plaster on Canvas

Josephine Riley, The Oldershaw Academy, Liverpool

Shell art , collection from local beaches in acrylic, pen and varnish, I started by creating local landscapes for friends and family who were isolated bringing a little bit of the coast to their doorstep and this then inspired miniatures of famous icons and paintings that people have requested and then framed them as gifts

Shell Art, Acrylic

Kari Fry, Luttons Primary School, North Yorkshire

I wrote a poem about two pet rabbits that I used to have. They were exceedingly funny and I thought the poem would work as a children's book. I have been waiting for an opportunity to illustrate the poem and with Covid 19, I have had a lot of extra time on my hands! My favourite illustrators are Colin Thompson, Jill Barklem and Graeme Base. They all have this unique ability to enhance their texts with detailed illustrations depicting quirky characters that capture imaginations and inspire and challenge ideas. I really liked the concept of creating a book where within the pages, other narratives are being told, a myriad of short stories wrapped up in one spine -all it needs is one reader to spot the details and be inspired. When creating the pages within my 'book' I hummed and hawed about its layout. Initially thinking A4 sheets with one single picture would be enough, but no matter how I plotted it out, it didn't flow. I eventually had a 'Eureka' moment and changed the layout to a 'comic book'style. This has allowed me to have free rein on each page and just let my imagination take flight. I sketched all the work first onto Bristol board, then used a black fine tip pen to go over all of the lines, adding any depth with cross hatching and shade. I then used pro-markers to colour in the pictures, adding liquid acrylic on top to give a greater depth and intensity to specific scenes such as the grass and Bert's food. Finally, I printed the text onto acetate and changed font, size and shape depending on the words to accentuate the context. I have included the firsy three pages of Bert and Houdini's adventure.

Bert and Houdini, Pen, Promarker, Liquid Acrylics and Acetate

Bert Stopped, Pen, Promarker, Liquid Acrylics and Acetate

So The Bunnies,, Pen, Promarker, Liquid Acrylics and Acetate

Kate Roberts, St.Hilda's CE High School, Liverpool

I had to rethink my approach during lockdown. As my family and I are all working at home, I have less space to work. With nowhere to get my paints out, I have taught myself to use Procreate on the IPad. I have been doing animal portraits for friends and family. I find being immersed in a creative process really therapeutic, which has been really important to me during lockdown. Drawing is such a mindful activity and I have loved learning a new technique. I have drawn animals I know well and tried to capture their character. Cocoa was a pony at my local riding school who taught so many children, including my daughter to ride. He sadly died this year and his gentle nature is much missed. Coco is my own dog, she is such good company, full of mischief and we all adore her. Timor is a beautiful Lusitano stallion trained in dressage.

Cocoa, Digital painting

Coco, Digital painting

Timor,, Digital painting

Katie Corner, The Federation of Abbey Schools, Darlington

I work with linocut print I am inspired by lots of things including history, nature and popular culture.

Good Queen Bess, Linocut print hand painted with watercolour

Tawny Owl, Linocut Print

The Mandalorian,, Ink Marbeling and Linocut print

Lauran Hopkins, St Martin’s School, Caerphilly

I like to paint figures in colour. There’s an element of mystery in the paintings as you can’t see the faces.

Acceptance, Acrylic

Embrace, Acrylic

She,, Acrylic

Lauren Kelly, The Colne Community School, Colchester

I have been making lino prints for the last 10 years. It stemmed from an MA in Education that I did after my NQT year and I got to take part in some practical modules, including printmaking. I mainly make my prints during school holidays. I am fascinated with objects and try to draw one thing a day. This first print started at the beginning of lockdown when I drew a different packet of sweets each day (I started buying from the local shop, then found a local sweet shop that did deliveries). I put the best sweet drawings together to make this reduction print called Retro Sweets. The second entry is from a series of drawings I did around Christmas time inspired by tarot cards and natural forms. I used an encyclopaedia of plant and animal species along with diagrams of the moon phases and symbols to help create the design. It led to 3 more similar prints, it is very different to my usual style! My third print has been made during lockdown and is inspired by the connections we have lost during our time separated from family and friends.

Retro Sweets, Lino Print

Pale Pink Moonlight, Lino Print

Connection,, Lino Print

Libby Witney, The Hurst Community College, Tadley, Hampshire

Drawing is where all my artwork starts off, then I either work into the original or transfer them into a screen print so that I can easily experiment with different colours and colour combinations. I love drawing animals in all their expressions, as it makes me laugh and gives me insight into their character.

Mrs Rhino, Ink and Pen

Mr Toucan, Ink and Pen

Miss Ele,, Ink and Pen

Linda Harvey, Archbishop Holgate's School, York

The inspiration for my work mainly comes from the places I visit. I take photographs of anything that catches my eye as I like to capture a moment instantly. My photographs then give me a starting point from which my work evolves. I will often work on several pieces at a time, as I enjoy an expressive and experimental way of working.

Radial Engine, Textiles

Under Attack, Textiles

Castaway,, Textiles

Lucy Prime, Dr Challoner's Grammar School, Buckinghamshire

I have an illustrative approach to my work and create drawings, lino prints and collages inspired by everyday observations. This selection of work reflects my time spent living and teaching in Egypt, Malaysia and now back in England.

Pomegranate, Coloured Pencil and Brown Paper

Stitch by Stitch, Lino Print and Watercolour

Cranes,, Lino Print and Collaged Papers

Lynn Mason, Childwall Abbey School, Liverpool

I made these portraits of my daughter retrospectively, using photographs I had taken of her as a baby. I chose to work in clay because I love the permanence of ceramic objects. I like to imagine that fragments of my work might be unearthed centuries from now just as Roman pottery is excavated today! Making these pieces was very labour-intensive and time-consuming. I could get lost in the making process which was very therapeutic, a bit like meditation. I also like the transformative and elemental qualities of working with clay. Potters utilise earth, water, fire and air in their creative process and you never quite know what finished result you might get when you finally open up the kiln door, which is very exciting.

Lepa Baby, Terracotta, Slip, Underglaze and Glaze

Red Hat, Terracotta, Slip, Underglaze and Glaze

Asleep,, Terracotta, Slip, Underglaze and Glaze

Lynne Calland, All Hallows Catholic High School, Liverpool

I used the time during lockdown to learn a new technique. I wanted to use local wildflowers and pieces of seaweed from my nearest beach (St Anne’s) to incorporate into the work. These pieces require sunshine to process so the months of April and May were ideal.

Crow, Cyanotype

Wildflowers, Cyanotype

Seahorse,, Cyanotype

Maxine Mason, South Charnwood High School, Leicestershire

I have always loved to draw and paint since childhood. I like to use photographs for inspiration and pretty much make up my methods as I go along, having never had any formal training in art. I love to experiment with all kinds of mediums and styles and learn from tutorials on the internet. I was introduced to oils by an elderly neighbour who kindly gave me a set after seeing some acrylic paintings I had done. When I told him I had no idea how to use oils, he encouraged me to 'just have a go' and I am so glad I did. I always turn to oils when I have time for a larger project and I have produced several pet portraits for friends. These are just a few examples my work.

Stanley and Alfie, Oil on Canvas

Amsterdam Sunset, Oil on Canvas

Marks Cat,, Oil on Canvas

Nadia Zuberi, Edmonton County School, London

I am a multi disciplinary artist. My degree was in theatre and costume and design, and I've always been interested in working in and using a variety of media, materials and techniques. Recently however, I have been painting more, focusing on documenting and repetitions of experiences, people, or objects. I also like to create work that is surreal, or has unusual combinations.

Skulls and Bows, Acrylic on Canvas

Outside In, Acrylic on Paper

Abstract Cell,, Ink, pen, and stamps, digital repeat print

Natalie Walford, Aldercar High School, Derbyshire

Following relocation I struggled to get a teaching position. During that term I turned my hand to pet portrait commissions, who knew they would be so popular? They saw me through before I landed my current job. Was good to remind myself what I could actually do

Miffy, Acrylic

Peter Radburn, St Julie's, Liverpool

These are my latest portraits using colour pencil as my chosen medium. The first portrait is of Dennis Hardiman and he is the Executive Head Teacher at St Cuthbert's and St Sebastian's and he (like me) is retiring from teaching this year. He hasn't seen this yet so he might be in for a surprise when he logs in to the DOT Art site! The second portrait is of my Nana Pat who graced the lives of all who met her for 96 years. Great Nan to my own kids she was truly great in every respect. Our Saturday's have never been the same since our Nan said 'night and god bless' to this world. The third portrait is of me and my brother Mike who lives in Tasmania and is from a photograph that was taken of us when we were at St Cecilia's junior school around 1972. On a recent visit to the UK, we recreated the photo as a more 'mature' version with alarming similarity to the original (allegedly)!

Mr Dennis Hardiman, Colour Pencil

Great Nana Pat, Colour Pencil

Pete and Mike,, Colour Pencil

Rachael Marchant, Tividale Community Primary School, West Midlands,

I draw things that inspire me. From seeing something in real life, to looking at artists work. The art that I create makes me feel happy...content. During this uncertain time, I need to feel that I’m giving something back to those around me. That I have a purpose while not teaching. Art and being creative is my way of doing this. It makes me feel complete.

Baxter, Ink, Chalk and pencil

Peacock, Pencil

Snoopy Britto,, Pencil, Chalk

Rachel Veldtman, Caterham School, Surrey

Recently I have been developing digital paint and collage fusions using a range of drawing apps. I explore botanicals and places that evoke memory or imagination. I also painted my air plants in a glass orb as a visual metaphor of lockdown

Horniman Hothouse , Digital Painting

Airplants in glass orb (lockdown 2020), Digital Painting

Deptford Montage, Digital Painting

Samantha Rugen, Arnot St Mary, Liverpool

To celebrate my son’s 16th birthday (in lockdown!) I was inspired to draw for the first time in years!

Elias, Pencil

Sol Marles, West Kirby School and College, Wirral

"The purpose of art is to wash the daily dust of life from our souls" (Pablo Picasso)

Owl, Pastels

Moon Tree, Ink

Elephants, Charcoal and pen

Sophie Jimenez, Edmonton County School, London

I am a printmaker, but I have been experimenting with all types of media recently. My last big project was an illustrated children's story based on a Chinese princess. These images have all been created while in 'lock down'.

Artistic Pebbles, Acrylic paint and posca pens on pebbles

Sketchbook Chinese Princess,Pen on Paper

Covid-19 Ear, Digital

Susan Smart, Acton Primary Academy, Cheshire

I have a very open approach to different techniques and mediums. I enjoy exploring how to create art using many layers to achieve the finished piece.

Stormy Skies, Chalk Pastels

Girl With Emerald Earring, Multimedia

Tracey Evans, Heolddu Comprehensive School, Caerphilly

I have submitted three portraits. I have always been fascinated by the human face. First portrait is of Claire Balding as I am taking part in sky portrait artist of the week. The second is of Abby, my niece, for her birthday. The third is one of give different portraits I have done for Tom Croft's initiative to offer free portraits for nhs heroes.

Clare Balding, Soft Pastels

Abby, Pencil

Becky, Oils

Vanessa Heron, Rainham Mark Grammar School, Kent

I am a ceramics enthusiast and have helped introduce clay work into our school since we bought a kiln two years ago. I also go to pottery evening classes at my local adult education centre. I miss both! I’m working on a series of pots for Oscar Wilde’s family and friends, as Im Secretary of the Oscar Wilde Society. www.oscarwildesociety.co.uk Since lockdown and school closing, I’ve made a lot of pots, which are sitting in my cellar unfired!

Lockdown Pots, Hand coloured porcelain

Three Green carnation pots for Oscar Wilde’s followers, Stoneware clay, one glazed

Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes. A pot for Actors who’ve played Oscar Wilde, Porcelain Unfired