New
New
Analysing the work of artists and designers: materials and techniques
I can identify the significance of primary materials in art
Lesson 4 of 18
New
New
- Year 10
Analysing the work of artists and designers: materials and techniques
I can identify the significance of primary materials in art
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An artist's selection of materials used in an artwork, contribute to the overall effect and meaning of the work
- Different materials have various qualities and textures
- Materials can have symbolic meaning or cultural significance which can enhance the narrative of an artwork
Keywords
Primary - main or most important
Materials - a substance or combination of substances that constitutes an object
Symbolic - visual work that represents an idea
Common misconception
Art materials don’t matter beyond how they look or feel.
Materials can carry deep personal and cultural meanings that add important layers to the artwork’s story and message.
Encourage pupils to reflect deeply on their personal and cultural connections to materials. Prompt them with questions about memories, traditions, or stories linked to their chosen materials to help them create more meaningful and authentic artwork.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Oil/chalk pastels, paint, brushes, wire, clay, threads and yarns, modroc, paper
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a storyboard?
What is a storyboard?
a type of sculpture made from cardboard and string
a decorative board used to display finished artwork
Q2.What is annotation in art?
What is annotation in art?
creating a border or frame around your artwork
adding colour to your final piece
Q3.What does it mean to present a concept in art?
What does it mean to present a concept in art?
to copy another artist’s idea for your own work
to choose which materials you want to use
to create a slideshow of an artist's biography
Q4.Which of the following are ways you can annotate your artwork?
Which of the following are ways you can annotate your artwork?
sketching connected imagery only
Q5.What is digital annotation?
What is digital annotation?
posting your artwork online
creating a slideshow of your artwork with images only
Q6.Annotation is important in art because it shows your , choices, and development
Annotation is important in art because it shows your , choices, and development
