the physical substances or tools an artist uses to create their work

the specific method or way an artist uses materials to create their work

to carefully judge or assess something by considering its strengths, weaknesses, and overall effectiveness

doing something with a clear goal, reason, or intention

Evaluate the use of materials and techniques

Art and design

Identifying starting points

Resourcing ideas through personal reflections, narratives and objects

Effective annotation: different ways to present ideas

Analysing the work of artists and designers: materials and techniques

The work of artists and designers: elements of art

The work of artists and designers: principles of art

Connecting and combining: trials and experiments with materials

First-hand primary resourcing

Photographing for resources: what makes a good photograph

Personal response: appropriate resources and creating artwork

Creating a surface, armature, background: preparing your personal response

Personal response: layers and processes in different endorsements

Personal response: how to judge quality and refining work

Personal response: finishing an artwork

Presenting a portfolio: creating pages of documentation

Curating the artwork: selecting and arranging key pieces

Self assessment techniques: evaluating your own work

This is an independent, pupil-led unit where pupils develop their own creative process. Having learned the key components of shaping an artistic voice, they will now make choices about themes, techniques, and processes, articulating and evaluating their artistic journey.

First sustained project: working from a theme

the specific way an artist works with paint

What does the term 'materials' mean in art and design?

"Artists always choose materials just because they are the easiest option".

Why might an artist choose to use found or recycled materials?

Why is it important to test materials before using them in a final artwork?

Which of these materials would be best if you wanted to make a 3D sculpture?

It helps you connect material choices to meaning and artistic intent.

It means you never need to experiment again.

It guarantees your next artwork will be perfect.

It prevents you from making creative risks.

Which of these is a benefit of evaluating the materials you’ve used?

Starter Quiz

What does the term 'materials' mean in art and design?