An initiative launched this week aims to drive art education in the county, as children will now have access to skills training online.

Schoolchildren will be able to draw on the skills of one of Britain’s most popular published artists via free activity packs now available to schools online (available by clicking here).

They were created by artist Lucy Pittaway, who also owns her own gallery in Keswick, and aims to align with educational key stages in place and bring children aged five to 14 on a journey of artistic discovery.

Lucy Pittaway’s accoladed include being awarded the title of Britain’s most popular published artist by the Fine Art Trade Guild.

She said she created these ‘packs’ in response to numerous approaches from schools for the material, but also a desire she had to encourage the next generation of artists.

“I know from my own experience the wonderful benefits that art can offer when you are growing up,” said Lucy.

“It allows expression and an escape from stress. It can also lead to further education and employment opportunities and, of course, is great fun.”

Drawing on her experience and knowledge from having worked as a teacher in the past, she said she knows the ‘vital role that educators play in inspiring children to pick up a crayon, pen or paintbrush’ and begin what can be a lifelong love of art.

A consistent thread that runs through each pack is a her own story, and the inspiration she has taken from the Lakes, Yorkshire Moors, and Dales.

These packs start at Key Stage 1 with activities like spot the difference and word searches that encourage infants to think about the world around them and how it can inspire their own art.

At a more advanced level – Key Stage 3 – teenage students are asked to consider artistic elements like texture and perspective, and are introduced to key artistic components like colour theory, and are encouraged to use all knowledge learned throughout to develop their own style.

“I know there are many excellent teachers out there who will have their own innovative ideas on how to engage students in art,” said Lucy, who added: “I hope these packs can complement that, perhaps spark some new ideas that children can try in the classroom and at home.”