My research report sought to move away from the notion of ‘school art style’ and rather give students an authentic experience that shadowed that of practicing artists. The research report explored the extent to which implementing workshop experiences in the classroom can teach students the fundamental skills of drawing and use of mediums to equip them with confidence to progress to mastery in art education. This was supported by the Junior Cycle Curriculum which allows students to make greater connection with learning by focusing on the quality of learning that takes place, and by offering experiences that are engaging and enjoyable for them and are relevant to their lives. 

 A unit of learning was developed in conjunction with this framework. The subject matter was imaginative composition in painting. Action research was the theoretical framework used to underpin the data gathered throughout the project. The findings of the study promote the implementation of workshop experiences in second level education. The findings confirmed that implementing skilled based workshop experiences in a studio environment in the art classroom allows students to become more confident in their own skill allowing them to progress to mastery in art.  

As an artist-teacher, it is my aim to bring my own practicing artist skills and ideologies to my students learning. My vison is to engage young people in learning experiences through art, craft, and design. In class, I provide a supportive and challenging environment, above all aiming to encourage and inspire students to value the active process of learning about art.