Students began investigating the subject matter of their urban environment through direct observation of their surroundings. Initial exploratory sketches and drawings focused student’s attention on the importance of composition with the intention of experimenting with photography. Students then made further inquiry into their environment by conducting some field surveillance and taking photographs of the local architecture. After gathering visual source material for painting practice, more defined subject matter became apparent.  Through the medium of paint, students would attempt to depict the distinct featured lines, angles and colours of the Georgian architecture that surrounded the school. Using palette knives, students experimented with layering acrylic paint on canvas board to describe the deep rich colours of these red brick buildings and to capture the sunlight bouncing off them.