Prep 1 Inspired by Basquiat in Art Workshop with Bob Sutcliffe 

Prep 1 had a wonderfully creative start to the week as they took part in an engaging art workshop led by visiting artist Bob Sutcliffe. Bob, a regular and much-loved presence in our Prep classrooms, comes into Westholme each week to deliver exciting, hands-on workshops that help children explore new artists, techniques and ways of seeing the world.

This session introduced pupils to the vibrant and expressive work of Jean Michel Basquiat, whose bold style, energetic marks and powerful use of colour have inspired artists around the world. Bob shared examples of Basquiat’s work, helping the children notice the layers, textures and mixed-media elements that make his art so distinctive.

The children were encouraged to experiment freely and to approach their work with confidence, curiosity and adventure. Using a combination of layered paint, oil pastels, paint pens and textured brushstrokes, pupils began building their own expressive artworks step by step. Bob demonstrated how Basquiat used line and colour to communicate emotion, and the children eagerly explored these ideas in their own pieces.

What followed was a wonderfully lively and creative session. The classroom buzzed with excitement as pupils experimented with mark-making, overlapping colours and adding bold details to bring their ideas to life. This workshop provided an ideal opportunity for early artists to develop their fine motor skills while also learning that art can be expressive, spontaneous and deeply personal.

Bob’s supportive and enthusiastic teaching style ensured that every child felt confident to explore and take creative risks. He encouraged pupils to work independently while also noticing the unique approaches taken by their classmates. The result was a collection of artwork bursting with colour, energy and individuality – a true celebration of creativity in its purest form.

Workshops like this play a key role in fostering a love of art from a young age. By engaging with influential artists such as Basquiat and experimenting with mixed-media techniques, Prep 1 pupils gain early exposure to artistic thinking and creative problem-solving.

We are incredibly grateful to Bob for his continued dedication and inspiration. His weekly visits enrich our art curriculum and give pupils the opportunity to explore art in an exciting and meaningful way.