creating without a set plan, making choices based on feeling, instinct, or the mood of the moment.

to make something clearer or more detailed, often by adding lines, shapes, or contrast to show its form.

art materials that do not need water or liquid to work. They are used for drawing, shading and mark-making directly onto a surface.

Abstract art: dry materials in response to stimuli

Art and design

Pupils will develop their understanding of abstract painting and make more sophisticated connections. They will build confidence in taking risks with new ideas, look at different tools and techniques, and learn to communicate with symbols and marks.

Abstract painting: sustainable materials

Drawing objects exactly as they appear using pencil and ruler

Using watercolours to create realistic landscapes

Creating expressive marks with charcoal and pastel to show mood

Painting portraits with acrylic paint and fine brushes

Sketching technical diagrams with ink pens

Which of the following best describes abstract art using dry materials?

No, any technique works with any stimulus

Yes, it helps express the mood or feeling of the stimulus

No, because abstract art doesn’t need any planning

Yes, but only if you're using wet materials

Is it important to match your technique to the stimulus when using dry materials in abstract art?

Make a wash with watercolour using your paintbrush

Drop contrasting ink over the wash inspired by elements in your stimuli.

Continue adding different colours of ink onto your wash

Put these steps in the correct order to prepare your surface effectively:

How might you use a rubber to draw into a graphite background?

By using small, repeated dots to build tone and texture

By pressing and dragging the pen across the page

How do you create scumbling marks using a fineliner?

What does the word “intuitive” mean in art?

Which of the following is an example of a dry material in art?

Choose your first colour and apply it to the paper

Blend the colours using your finger, a blending tool, or paper towel

Gently smooth the transition between colours

Apply more pastel if needed to build depth

Put these steps in the correct order for blending with oil pastels:

Which dry material would be useful for creating a quick sketch?

By drawing over dry paint for added texture

By scratching through the paint with scissors

By layering over pastel or charcoal to add detail

How can you use dry materials on a dried painted surface? Select all that apply.

Used for bold, smudgy marks and expressive drawing

Creates clean, detailed and controlled lines

Soft and dusty; good for blending on textured paper

Great for sketching and shading with control

Match each dry material to the sentence that best describes how it is used:

Yes, it’s used without water and makes clear lines

No, because it can’t be blended to create lines

Is a fineliner considered a dry material in art?

Starter Quiz