New
New
Create an abstract composition
I can use tools of my own making to create an abstract composition
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
Create an abstract composition
I can use tools of my own making to create an abstract composition
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists can use material qualities to enhance mood, movement and meaning in a composition.
- Artists can refer to mark-making samples or testers to remember tools and processes used to create specific marks.
- Abstract compositions might include the shapes and lines found in everyday objects, imagining them in a new way.
Keywords
Abstract - art that does not try to represent something realistically
Composition - the arrangement of visual elements such as shapes, colours and lines, within an artwork
Mark-making - the lines, dots and scratches created by tools
Common misconception
All papers have the same texture.
Remind children that different papers have different textures. For example, tracing paper is smooth and thin, while watercolor paper is thick and textured. Materials can look and behave differently depending on the surface of the paper.
If children are unable to access objects from home for this lesson, objects from around the school or classroom would be appropriate. Children could also use digital devices to find images suitable for this task.
Teacher tip
Equipment
ink, textured papers, paintbrushes, self-made mark-making tools from previous lesson, water pots, scissors
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 mark-making?
What is mark-making?
creating music
Writing stories
Q2.Mark-making tools can be made from or found materials.
Mark-making tools can be made from or found materials.
Q3.Match the tool with its description:
Match the tool with its description:
Q4.True or False: all cultures use paintbrushes as their primary tool for art.
True or False: all cultures use paintbrushes as their primary tool for art.
True
Q5.Why might an artist test their mark-making tools?
Why might an artist test their mark-making tools?
To get perfect marks
To make their tools look pretty
Q6.Using materials unique to you helps to tell a in your artwork.
Using materials unique to you helps to tell a in your artwork.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is abstract art?
What is abstract art?
Art that represents something realistically
Art that uses only one colour
Q2.The arrangement of visual elements in an artwork is called ...
The arrangement of visual elements in an artwork is called ...
Q3.Match the term with its definition:
Match the term with its definition:
Q4.True or False: all papers used in art have the same texture.
True or False: all papers used in art have the same texture.
True
Q5.Why do artists layer ink in their compositions?
Why do artists layer ink in their compositions?
To hide the paper
To make it look messy
Q6.Using everyday objects as inspiration helps artists to create __________ compositions.
Using everyday objects as inspiration helps artists to create __________ compositions.
