Building on the success of their Renoir project, Art for Guernsey has launched a new initiative for the 2024/2025 academic year, inviting primary schools to commemorate J.M.W. Turner's 1832 visit to Guernsey. Turner, renowned for his landscape sketches across the Bailiwick (now housed at Tate Britain), inspired Le Rondin to create a mural for the upcoming March/April 2025 exhibition.
Le Rondin's students, from specialist bases 2LA and 2JS, under the guidance of teacher Lou Armour and their dedicated Learning Support Assistants, embraced the challenge. They were tasked with painting a 2440 x 1220 mm board in acrylics, depicting a Guernsey landscape in the styles of both Turner and another chosen artist. Selecting Petit Bot, they masterfully blended Turner's atmospheric techniques with the vibrant, expressive style of Vincent van Gogh.
The children, working in short, focused bursts over five days, transformed the board with a vibrant red undercoat and a variety of tools – brushes, palette knives, spoons, and wooden blocks. Their collaborative effort has resulted in a stunning mural, now awaiting varnishing and weatherproofing for the exhibition.
On Thursday 10th April, the artists, Lou and Christine went to the unveiling of the Turner Exhibition. All the children were a credit to the school and they enjoyed eating the complimentary cupcakes! Well done everyone involved.
