Year 5 have been developing their artistic skills by studying the work of Deyanira Harris, an American artist known for her vibrant portraits and expressive use of colour. Her work often celebrates identity, culture and emotion, using bold shapes and rich tones to bring her subjects to life.
The children explored how Harris uses oil pastels to create striking effects, layering colours and blending them to achieve depth and texture. They practised techniques such as shading, smudging and building up colour to create their own powerful pieces inspired by her style.
Working carefully and thoughtfully, the pupils produced some fantastic artwork, showing confidence in their use of oil pastels and a great understanding of the artist’s approach. It was wonderful to see their creativity shine through in such bold and expressive pieces!







