Lesson video

Hello, everyone.

How are you today? I hope you're feeling really good.

My name is Ms. Afzal, and I'll be your art teacher for this lesson, which I'm feeling very pleased about.

Today, we're going to be looking at mass, shape, volume, and depth.

That's the title of our lesson.

It comes from the unit of work "Foundation workshops: Revisiting elements of art and principles of art." So these are some very elemental and principle things that we'll be looking at today, and I'm interested to find out your take on them.

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

The outcome for today's lesson is I can use unconventional materials to explore mass, shape, volume, and depth.

We have some keywords in our lesson.

Let's go through them.

Mass, shape, volume, depth, spatial relationships.

What do these words mean? Well, mass is the sense of weight or heaviness of an object or element, making it feel solid and substantial.

Shape, a 2D area with a defined boundary, such as a circle.

Volume, the amount of space an object occupies, giving it a three-dimensional, chunky, or filled appearance.

Depth, the perception of space within an artwork, making things look far away or close up.

And spatial relationships, the position of objects relative to each other in a scene to create depth and balance.

These are our keywords.

Let's look out for them.

Let's listen out for them.

They'll be coming up in our lesson today.

Our lesson is called Mass Shape, Volume, and Depth, and it has two learning cycles.

First of all, investigate mass shape, volume, and depth, and next, test materials to experiment with mass and depth.

Yes, we're gonna get right into some experimentation, but let's begin by investigating mass, shape, volume, and depth.

And we'll whiz ahead to the end of this lesson and look at what possible outcomes for today might include.

Don't these look intriguing? Do you ever look at an artwork and feel like you could step into a space that extends beyond the surface? Perhaps like in this artwork that we can see on the screen.

I really feel that way.

Pause here.

Have you ever felt that way? Share with somebody.

Thanks for sharing.

Artists can make it look like there's a 3D space and weight in their work, so it feels like you're stepping into a world that goes beyond the surface.

Artists use light, shadow, and materials to make me want to engage with the work.

Absolutely.

Does this abstract work feel flat? What techniques has the artist used to create depth? Pause here and share your answers to these two questions with someone nearby.

Thanks for sharing.

Here's Sam.

"It definitely doesn't feel flat.

It feels like I'm moving fast through outer space, past these strange objects floating around." I had that feeling too.

Mass, shape, depth, and volume help to create the illusion of 3D space.

They make it feel tangible, real, and immersive.

For your work to look engaging, you need to think about mass, the sense of weight or heaviness, making it feel solid and substantial.

Shape, a 2D area with a defined boundary, such as a circle.

Volume, the amount of space an object occupies, giving it a three-dimensional, chunky, or filled appearance.

Depth, the perception space within an artwork, making things look far away or close up, creating a sense of layers or distance.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Match the definitions to the keywords.

So here are our keywords: mass, shape, volume, and depth.

And here are four definitions.

The perception of space within an artwork.

The amount of space and object occupies.

The 2D outline or form.

And weight or heaviness, making it feel solid and substantial.

So pause here while you match the definitions to the keywords.

Perhaps you matched them in this way.

Mass is weight or heaviness, making it feel solid and substantial.

Shape is the 2D outline or form.

Volume is the amount of space an object occupies.

And depth is the perception of space within an artwork.

Well done if you matched the definitions and keywords in this way.

How has this artist used mass, shape, volume, and depth to draw the viewer's attention to certain areas of this artwork? Pause here and discuss this with somebody.

Thanks for sharing.

Here's Aisha.

"They used 2D and 3D elements, line and shadow to create depth.

Darker tones add weight and balance to the composition." Perhaps you have an answer like this.

How is Jun creating depth and volume in his 2D abstract painting? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Thanks for sharing.

Here is Izzy.

"He's using different tones to create lighter and darker areas that accentuate the lines that draw us into the imaginary picture space." Alex made a digital drawing and a textiles outcome.

Do you think having more depth and volume in the outcome makes it more interesting? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Here's Sofia, "Experimenting with volume and depth can create visual intrigue, making you want to look more closely at the layers." Yeah, I think that's a great way of putting it.

It's certainly intriguing.

How do the different objects and elements in this artwork relate to or interact with each other? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

Here's Lucas.

"The elements are positioned in a way that creates the illusion that real space carries on into the artwork." So cleverly done.

Spatial relationships relate to the position of objects in your work.

It's about how things are arranged, where they are, and how they fit together in an area.

Experimenting with them can create balance or tension.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Why might artists consider mass, volume, shape, and depth? Select all that apply.

Is it A, to make art that is interesting and full of visual intrigue? B, to explore balance or tension in a composition? Or C, to draw your attention to key areas in space? Pause here while you decide.

Well done if you selected all three answers.

They are all ways the artists might consider mass, volume, shape, and depth in their work.

Would these artworks appear less realistic if the sense of volume was reduced? What do you think? Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

Here's Andeep.

"Yes, they would appear less realistic if the sense of volume was reduced.

Volume helps to show how much space an object takes up, making it look 3D and lifelike.

If you reduce the volume, objects might look flat and less solid." How can you use mass, shape, volume, and depth in the different specialisms? Pause here and share with someone.

Let's hear some responses.

In photography, depth of field allows you to create a blurred or sharp focused area.

Mass helps you communicate to your audience by making elements that are visually heavy stand out in graphics.

In textiles, wadding underneath quilted fabric creates volume.

And shape is used in abstract painting to create dynamic compositions.

So we can see there are many ways that mass, shape, volume, and depth can be used in different specialisms. Let's have a check for understanding.

True or false? There is only one way to experiment with mass and depth in each art specialism, i.

e.

graphics, textiles, et cetera? Pause here and decide is this true or false? Well done if you selected false.

The principles of mass, shape, volume, and depth are universal and can be applied in many different ways to your own art practise.

Examples of how artists use mass, depth, volume, and shape.

Yayoi Kusama's "Untitled" 1963 uses stuffed and sewn fabric to create a dense, piled-up texture that gives a sense of weight and heaviness.

Abdulrazaq Awofeso creates depth in his wooden figurative work by using layers of relief, rough textures, and bold colour contrasts.

Claes Oldenburg created soft sculptures that have a sense of filling space with large three-dimensional elements, emphasising their volume.

Annie Leibovitz's portrait photography uses the shape and pose of figures to create striking visual compositions.

And let's look at some further examples in cultural art practises.

Depth can suggest layers of meaning, spiritual realms, or narratives.

Tibetan Thangka paintings often include layers of symbolism and stories from Buddhist teachings.

The depth in their composition invites you to explore their spiritual meaning.

The volume and physical size of 3D artworks can be powerful.

The Daibutsu or Great Buddhist statues in Japan are enormous sculptures, which are designed to inspire awe and respect.

Further examples in cultural art practises.

Distinctive shapes or motifs often carry cultural significance including: Ta moko, Maori tattoos, which use symbolic shapes that repeat to create meaning.

The perceived mass of objects in art can symbolise importance, strength, or spirituality, including the Benin bronzes, which are cast sculptures, valued for their durability and connection to the royal court of the Oba, king, in Benin City, modern day Nigeria.

And now it's time for your first task.

I would like you to investigate an artist, designer, craftsperson, or traditional art practise that uses mass, volume, shape, or depth creatively.

Explain your choice.

You could use your own or another student's sketchbook.

Use the work of an artist you have studied or seen.

Use the internet.

Find an example relating to your theme.

Use an example from this lesson.

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

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 investigating an artist, designer, craftsperson, or traditional art practise that uses mass, volume, shape, or depth creatively? You may have said something like this.

Here's Alex.

"I looked at Japanese Shibori, as part of my textiles theme 'Celebration.

' It is a type of fabric manipulation that when dyed creates a repeating pattern.

I'm interested in the structural volume of the fabric before it's dyed." So interesting.

And here's Izzy.

"I chose Claes Oldenburg's soft food sculptures because they transform everyday objects into exaggerated, playful forms that challenge our sense of mass, volume, and shape.

His work inspires me to experiment with depth and texture in my food photography, making ordinary items look surreal and unexpected." I love the sound of that.

For the next part of your task, I'd like you to describe how the work relates to the principles.

You could use these sentence status to help you.

So in terms of mass, visual weight is created by.

Or the materials.

contribute to the physical mass, making it feel.

In terms of shape, the shapes in the work help to show.

They make the work feel.

Volume, the use of volume makes the object appear.

The volume in in this piece makes it feel more.

Depth, the artist creates a sense of spatial depth by.

And general, the artist uses.

to draw the viewer's attention to.

And the materials.

and the way the artist uses.

help to express.

So pause here while you have a go at this task now, describing how the work relates to the principles and using these sentence starters to help you.

Great to be back with you.

You might have said something like this.

Mass: Visual weight is created by the dark shadows in the creases.

The fabric contributes to the mass, making it feel soft and shapely.

Shape: The shapes in the work create a pattern, making it feel unified.

Volume: The use of volume makes the object appear more interesting.

Depth: The artist creates a sense of spatial depth by making it 3D.

And general: The repeated folds in the fabric help to create structure.

And now we're onto our next learning cycle.

Test materials to experiment with mass and depth.

The provocation today is: Are there unconventional materials or techniques you can use to amplify the feelings of mass or depth? Pause here and share with someone.

What do you think? Check for understanding.

True or false? Exploring the mass and depth means paying close attention to the spatial relationships and visual weight in your work.

Pause here and decide.

Is this true or false? Well done if you selected true.

Mass means real or perceived weight, and depth is about creating space within an artwork.

So spatial relationships are key.

Which materials have been used here? Pause and share with somebody.

Thanks for sharing.

The materials you used here are glue, gesso, spray paint, thread, an old envelope and card, and scrim and fabric.

Unconventional materials and techniques can make your artwork feel more powerful.

You could use thick layers of glue, spray paint, and things like sand, plaster, or fabric to build up the surface.

This adds physical texture and makes part of your piece feel more solid.

You could combine different materials like paper, metal, wood, or found objects.

This variety creates interesting layers and makes your work seem more three-dimensional.

You could try impasto, thickly applied paint, plaster, or gesso to create bumps and ridges.

This textured effect makes parts of your artwork pop out, adding a sense of mass.

You could instead of brushes, use objects like sponges, cloth, or even your fingers.

This can give unique textures and a sense of rawness that makes your artwork feel more intense.

Let's have a check for understanding.

True or false? Creating texture in my work will add to the sense of volume and mass.

Pause here and decide, is this true or false? Well done if you selected true.

Indeed.

Textures, especially rough textures, are visually heavier and help make your work visually intriguing.

You could use layers to create imaginary depth by placing one element in front of another.

Here's Alex, "The number 9 sits in pocket-like space behind the background, making this feel strange." You could use unconventional shadows to create the illusion of depth.

Playing with light, distortion, and shadow can also make some parts seem closer or heavier.

Check for understanding.

Using light and dark tones can create? A, depth due to shadows receding backwards? B, volume as things look more realistic? C, colour as you're using more paint.

Pause here while you decide.

Well done if you selected answers A and B.

Indeed, using light and dark tone can create depth due to shadows receding backwards, and volume as things look more realistic.

These pupils are considering the provocation in relation to their own creative journey.

Here's Jun, "I'll use real objects and textures, like sand glued onto paper, to add unexpected weight and depth to my fine art, everyday objects project." And Izzy, "I'll use my photographs to make digital textures and combine them with gradients to create mass and volume in my digital designs." Love these ideas.

Now it's time for your next task.

Here's the provocation.

Are there unconventional materials or techniques you can use to amplify the feeling of mass or depth? So firstly, I'd like you to think about your theme, source, and the materials available to you.

What ideas do you have? Next, share your ideas in response to the provocation.

So pause here while you have a go at this first part of your task.

It's good to be back with you.

So how did you get on with thinking about your theme, source, and materials available to you? What ideas do you have? Let's hear from Aisha.

"My theme is 'Celebration.

' My specialism is 3D.

I brought in some things left over after my sister's birthday party.

I have old balloons and stuff.

Could I use these to make something?" Sure.

And Laura, "My theme is 'Spaces.

' My specialism is graphics, my source is Lego.

I have printing materials in my classroom, so I could use these to create textured prints.

Could I monoprint or gelli print directly with my Lego?" Why not? And how did you get on with sharing your ideas in response to the provocation? You might have discussed something like this.

Here's Alex, "For 'Celebration' in textiles, I could use materials like metallic foils, sequins, or even plastic packaging to create a sense of mass and depth.

Layering these materials which could add a celebratory, textured effect." And Aisha, "In 3D, materials like balloons, papier-mache, or recycled party decorations could be used to build large, celebratory sculptures.

By stacking or inflating these materials, I can amplify the feeling of mass and volume, creating a feeling of festivity." I love the sound of it.

And for the final part of your task, I'd like you to explore your chosen materials to amplify mass, shape, volume, or depth in your work.

You could produce thumbnail experiments in your sketchbook, produce designs drawings, draw out a photoshoot and write a plan, make maquettes or small models, test material combinations and evaluate them, work digitally.

Pause here while you have a go at this part of your task.

Great to be back with you.

How did you get on with that part of your task? You may have said something like this.

Here's Laura.

"I created a gelli print using Lego for texture stamps, adding depth with black contrast and layered shapes.

I cut the work in two, favouring one side.

Both parts will be included in my book to highlight successful elements and discuss the shortcomings of the other half." And Alex, "I enhanced my plastic fusion experiment from last lesson by adding textures and stitching to give it volume and mass.

To reflect the celebration theme, I turned it into a 3D wall hanging or flag, echoing my bunting.

It's unfinished, but has sparked a new idea." That's what this creative process is all about.

In our lesson, mass, shape, volume, and depth, we've covered the following.

Mass, shape, volume, and depth help us understand the spatial relationships within a work, allowing us to feel the weight and solidity of objects or the space they occupy.

These principles are used to draw the viewer's attention to certain areas of an artwork.

Depth can establish the relationship between different elements, making the composition more dynamic.

Variations in volume and depth can create visual intrigue.

Volume gives artwork a sense of being present in the viewer's space, physically or virtually.

Well done, everyone, for joining in with this lesson.

It was great to explore something so foundational as mass, shape, volume, and depth, and to experiment with them and see how we can amplify mass, shape, volume, and depth in our artworks.

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

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

Until then, stay creative.