a thin, transparent layer of paint, usually created by diluting the pigment with water in watercolour, ink, or thinned acrylics

a layer is one part of an artwork that sits on top of or underneath another. Artists build up layers using paint, pencil, collage, or texture to create depth and detail

cut, layered, and glued materials onto a surface to create a piece of art

Mark-marking: preparing the surface for painting

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

Why do artists keep their test surfaces in a sketchbook?

Apply glue to both the surface and each material before arranging them.

Paint the surface with a colour before adding any materials.

Roughen the surface slightly to help materials adhere better.

Lay out the materials on the surface without any adhesive to ensure flexibility.

How do you prepare a surface for a collage?

Let the wash become damp, not too wet or too dry.

Allow the salt to sit until the wash is fully dry.

Gently brush away the dried salt crystals.

Put these steps in order to successfully use salt on a watercolour wash:

Apply masking tape to the areas you want to protect before painting.

Use a hairdryer to rapidly dry one layer of paint before applying another.

Add a clear varnish on top of the surface before starting.

Paint a thick layer of colour and let it dry completely before adding water.

How do you create resist effects in your surface?

What can you use to create a really textured surface?

Use thin, fluid layers of paint with overlapping washes.

Apply thick, opaque strokes of paint in straight lines.

Add rough, heavy texture with a palette knife.

Use dry-brush strokes on an unprimed surface.

Which technique is best for creating a watery surface that resembles the sea in a painting?

To ensure the surface is sturdy enough to hold the artwork.

To create a consistent base that improves paint adhesion and longevity.

To make the surface easier to frame and display.

Why do artists often prepare their surfaces before painting?

By adding texture with layers of gesso or collage materials.

By sketching a detailed blueprint to follow precisely.

By layering the surface with reflective materials.

How might artists prepare their surfaces in creative ways to enhance their artwork?

To help the paint stick better and adhere to the surface

To create surface qualities with variety such as rough and smooth

To make the artwork more durable, preventing damage over time

To ensure the final look is smooth and visually pleasing

Match the definition to the correct word:

Combine paint and water until the colour is diluted.

Check how the wash appears on a separate surface.

Add more water or pigment to get the desired transparency.

Spread the wash in smooth, even strokes before it dries.

Match each step in preparing a wash with its correct description:

What is the primary purpose of preparing a wash before applying it to a painting surface?

Yes, because the materials remain consistent regardless of the surface

No, because the texture and characteristics of each surface affect the material

Yes, but only if the materials are applied with the same pressure

Do all art materials respond the same on different surfaces?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Mark-marking: preparing the surface for painting

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.