Lesson video

Hello, everyone.

How are you? I hope you feeling good today.

My name is Ms. Afzal and I'll be your art teacher for this lesson.

I'm feeling great about that because I love teaching art and because today, we're looking at materials.

Our lesson is called Connecting and Combining: Trials and Experiments with Materials.

Sounds interesting, I hope you find.

Our lesson comes from the unit of work First sustained project: Working from a theme.

So if you are ready with some focus, energy and enthusiasm, we'll begin our lesson.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can experiment with combining materials and making a paint pour.

We have some keywords in our lesson.

Let's go through them.

Explore, combination and layering.

So what do these words mean? Explore is to try out ideas, materials or techniques.

Combination: joining two or more different materials, techniques or ideas.

And layering: building up an artwork by adding one material or colour on top of another.

These are our keywords.

Let's look out and listen out for them.

They'll be coming up in our lesson today.

Our lesson is called Connecting and Combining: Trials and experiments with materials.

It has two learning cycles: Experiments in connection and combination, and Exploring dripping and pouring techniques.

Let's begin with Experiments in connection and combination.

And let's zoom ahead to the end of the lesson.

Oh my goodness, take a look at what your outcome might look like from today's lesson.

How stunning, intriguing, and I hope that you are all in for this lesson now that you've seen these.

So what does it mean to combine materials? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Thanks for sharing.

To combine materials means to join or bring together two or more different materials in one artwork.

This mix creates new textures, effects, or meanings that wouldn't be possible using just one material alone.

The process and exploration of materials is just as valuable as making a final outcome.

It's through experimenting, making mistakes and trying new combinations that we discover unique textures, effects and creative possibilities we might not have planned.

Artists don't always start with a perfect plan.

They often begin by getting to know their materials.

By exploring, testing and combining different materials, they learn what works, what surprises them, and how those discoveries can shape the direction of their artwork.

Artists explore how things feel, move, break, bend, stick, reflect, or resist.

They might ask, "What happens if I stretch this?" "What if I combine something soft with something sharp?" "How would it look if I combined these materials?" Combining materials is about how different materials react to each other.

How do you think this sample was made? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

In this sample, a pattern was drawn using hot glue, tinfoil was layered over it and pressed into the design.

"This embossed scaly effect would be perfect for my project about transformation.

I could explore this technique for fish skin.

By using foil, it combines pollution and sea life." Great thinking, Jacob.

Think about how rough textures can contrast or balance smooth ones, or how a transparent layer can change the look of what's behind it.

Here's Lucas: "I chose inside as my theme.

Using layers of circuit board patterns combined with natural objects could be an interesting twist." Check for understanding.

Why do artists often experiment with the physical properties of materials? Is it A: to waste time before making a final piece? B: to avoid using traditional art supplies? C: to understand how materials behave and how they can influence an artwork? Pause here while you decide.

Well done if you chose answer C.

Indeed, it's to understand how materials behave and how they can influence an artwork.

Combining different textile textures can be effective.

Here's Jun: "This combination of materials could work really well for my 'Cells' project.

I could use Angelina fibres on the base, then make felt balls with layered patterns inside and attach them in clusters." Great idea.

Buttons and beads have been trapped in glue in this sample.

This combination of materials are often associated with clothing, family, craft or identity.

What theme or idea could this technical process connect to? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Thanks for sharing.

Here's Aisha: "Trapping things in glue can suggest nostalgia or memory.

I could use this technique in my 'Messages' project and could suspend handwritten notes in glue." Love that idea.

Stitching into paper adds texture, structure, and depth to a 2D surface.

Stitch can create emphasis and a visual narrative.

Here's Andeep: "I'd like to explore this technique as part of my 'Landscapes' project.

I could combine maps from the region with stitched on scenery using different materials." Love that idea.

Yarn can be combined with paint to create emphasis through line.

In his sample, swirling shapes add a sense of movement.

Here's Sam: "I can explore this technique as part of my 'Identity' project.

I could experiment with different textures and rhythmic lines to express feelings." Absolutely.

Great idea.

Check for understanding.

Which of the following artworks shows a combination of materials? A, B, or C? Pause here while you decide.

Well done if you selected answer A.

Indeed, this artwork shows a combination of materials.

Many artists use unusual combinations in their artwork, including: Donald Rodney who explored themes of race, identity, fragility and the body using mixed media and materials to reflect vulnerability and resilience.

Materials include oil pastels on X-ray sheets and medical items. In works like "Land of Milk and Honey II," he combined copper coins, honey and milk.

Lynda Benglis is known for sculptures using latex, wax, foam and poured materials.

She challenges traditional sculpture by creating fluid, organic, often sensory shapes that defy hard edges and rigid structure.

And now it's time for your first task.

I would like you to create a sample using a combination of at least two materials.

There are many possible outcomes, including: glue combined with thread, button, beads, ink, paper scraps, recycled materials, hot glue, tape, bubble wrap, and paint glue, paper and thread, paper and wire, acetate and paint.

So pause here while you have a go at this task of creating a sample using a combination of at least two materials.

Enjoy experimenting, enjoy your task.

Pause here and I'll see you when you're finished.

It's great to be back with you.

How did you get on with that task of creating a sample using a combination of at least two materials? There are many possible outcomes including: Oh my goodness.

Take a look at this from Izzy.

"I used watercolour to paint paper.

I then explored burning holes in the paper using an incense stick under the direct supervision of my teacher." Glad about that.

"I built up layers of paper circles and drizzled hot glue over it.

It reminds me of a hydrangea and I can link this to my 'Natural Forms' project." It really does.

Hydrangeas are one of my favourite flowers.

And I love seeing this beautiful colours and texture.

There are many possible outcomes including: Oh my, take a look at what Jun has created.

"I poured paint mixed with PVA glue onto a plastic surface and added sand for texture.

While the paint was still wet, I positioned cocktail sticks around the structure to replicate a cell.

Once dry, I peeled it off." Really, really intriguing.

I love this experimentation from Jun.

And here is a creation from Sam.

"I enjoyed exploring a combination of embossing foils and machine stitching.

I cut out a disc of foil and used the sewing machine to create larger, curvaceous shapes around it.

I want to experiment with this technique further as I like the effect of sharp and soft." Yeah, really great contrast there in the colours and textures.

And now we're onto our next learning cycle, Exploring dripping and pouring techniques.

Artists use many different dripping, pouring and layering techniques to explore how paint and materials behave in unpredictable ways.

Dripping is a free-flowing painting technique where paint is allowed to fall or flow onto a surface without traditional brushstrokes.

It's expressive, unpredictable, and often full of energy and movement.

Dripping ink into a jar of water causes the paint to spread and swell, creating cloud-like trails or inky bursts.

Artists might use this technique for photography or video art.

Some artists film the process to explore dreamy effects.

I love getting lost in watching clouds and similarly watching ink poured into water.

Blowing watery ink or paint using a straw can create a spidery vein-like effect.

Alternatively, some artists might dip a stick or straw into paint and let it fall through the tip.

Street artists often use dripping as a deliberate technique in their work.

Some let the paint drip on purpose as a signature look or visual style.

Check for understanding.

Why might an artist choose to use a dripping technique in their work? Is it A: to create sharp and detailed lines? B: to cover mistakes quickly? Or C: to show movement and spontaneity? Pause here while you decide why an artist might choose to use a dripping technique in their work.

Well done if you selected answer C, indeed, it's to show movement and spontaneity.

What is meant by layering in art? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Thanks for sharing.

Layering means building up an artwork by adding multiple layers of materials on top of each other.

You might layer: paint, paper, fabric, drawing, texture.

Why might artists use the technique of layering? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Thanks for sharing.

Each layer might represent a memory, idea or moment, helping build a narrative in the artwork.

Layering different materials like tissue, cardboard, fabric, paint, et cetera, creates a tactile, interesting surface.

How might the artist have layered paint to create this artwork? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Thanks for sharing.

Paint has been layered with one coat or section of paint over another, letting each layer dry or partially dry before adding more.

This builds up depth, texture and richness in your artwork.

Applying thick layers of paint is a technique known as impasto.

The impasto technique involves applying thick layers of paint to a surface so that it stands out, creating texture you can see and touch.

What is the pouring technique? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

Pouring is a technique where paint is gently flowed or tipped onto a surface to create smooth, unpredictable patterns and blends.

Pouring is a form of fluid art.

How could the pouring technique be developed? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

Here's Jacob: "I could layer yarn over the top of the poured paint to create a water effect.

This would be a great technique for my 'Transformation' project.

I could add strips of plastic to represent pollution changing the water." Great thinking.

And Jun: "I could explore poured paint as a surface to build cell structures on.

I could mix cell clusters using paint mixed with glue and stick them down once the paint has dried.

This would create tactile layers." And Andeep: "I could add threads to create map contour lines, which I could develop as part of my 'Landscape' project.

I could explore different colour palettes and incorporate actual maps to create layers." Love all these ideas.

Many artists use dripping and pouring techniques in their artwork, including: Fahd El Harti creates dripping portraits, applying paint directly by the brush without contact, relying on gravity and movement for effect.

Monique Oliver, whose work is poured directly from cups, bowls, or jugs, rarely using brushes, and instead embracing spontaneity and paint behaviour.

For the next part of the lesson, you'll need: acrylic paint, PVA glue, multipurpose lubricant spray, heat gun, a surface to pour onto, a tray to catch the excess paint, stirrers, and large plastic cups, which can be reused.

So pause here while you gather all that you'll need for the next part of the lesson.

That's great that you have everything you need.

Let's continue.

There are many ways of pouring paint, including: Make the pouring medium using 1/3 PVA, 2/3 water, mixed thoroughly.

This helps the paint flow.

And then in each cup, add half a cup, pouring medium with half a cup of paint colour.

Mix well.

Once the cup is filled with paint and pouring medium, add one squirt of multipurpose lubricant spray.

Then stir, once only.

In each cup, pour layers of pouring medium/color mixtures on top of each other, starting with white.

In the top of the cup, the paint will begin to react with the lubricant and create patterns.

If many cells are wanted.

Add one squirt of coconut hair serum to the layers of paint, but do not stir.

Stirring will cause the colours to merge too much at this stage.

Position your surface, such as a wooden board, onto four cups or jars of equal height and stand in a tray.

It's important that the jars/cups are level, otherwise the paint will run off one side after being poured.

Place the board on top of the filled cup and flip over, keeping the cup securely in position.

Lift the cup, allowing the paint to pour out and move around on the surface.

Gently tilt the canvas so that the paint moves around on the surface.

Allow the paint to drip off the edges of the canvas into the tray.

The paint can be given a quick blast with a heat gun to encourage cells to appear in the paint.

Alternatively, you can leave to dry.

There are many ways to explore pouring techniques.

Paint can also be poured quickly into a sink strainer in a clockwise motion.

Once all the paint has been poured, the sink strainer can be lifted out of the way.

This technique creates beautiful patterns.

As we can see.

The first colour put into the pouring cup comes out last ending up in the centre of the design.

Check for understanding.

True or false? You must thin the paint before pouring to help it flow.

Decide if this is true or false.

Well done if you selected true.

Now I'd like you to say a little more about your answer.

Pause here while you do this.

Perhaps you said something like this: Paint is usually mixed with a pouring medium as the paint would be too thick to move around.

And now it's time for your next task, Create a paint pour.

You should: choose a combination of colours that work well together.

Choose a small canvas or small piece of board to pour onto.

Have the water pots or plastic cups set up beforehand in the tray.

Wear suitable gloves to protect your hands.

So pause here while you have a go at this task.

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy creating a paint pour.

I'll see you when you're finished.

It's great to be back with you.

How did you get on with creating a paint pour? There are many possible outcomes.

And here we can see the paint was given a quick blast with a heat gun to encourage cells to appear in the paint.

Really effective.

Here's Jacob: "I chose to try the sink strainer method.

I love how the colour combination worked out.

By adding blue to the cup first, it meant that it came out last and ended up in the centre." Just stunning.

And Sofia: "I'm pleased with how my pour came out.

I could experiment further with this technique, using different colour choices and different surfaces." You really could.

In our lesson, Connecting and combining: Trials and experiments with materials, we've covered the following: Many artists explore and experiment by combining a range of materials to see how they behave and interact.

This hands-on exploration reflects how artists often develop ideas using mixed media and layering rather than starting with a final outcome in mind.

Artists pour paint to explore fluid movement, chance and layering, allowing colours to blend naturally and create expressive effects that can't be achieved with a brush.

Well done, everyone for joining in with this lesson.

I loved exploring all the different ways we can connect and combine materials and all these different effects that we can create.

I hope you enjoyed your paint pour and these wonderful, wonderful creations that you've brought into being through these fantastic choices you've made.

I've really enjoyed teaching you, and I hope you've enjoyed this lesson too.

And I look forward to seeing you at another art lesson soon.

Until then, stay creative.