New
New
Creating a surface, armature, background: preparing your personal response
I can select an appropriate surface which aligns with my concept
Lesson 11 of 18
New
New
- Year 10
Creating a surface, armature, background: preparing your personal response
I can select an appropriate surface which aligns with my concept
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Clarify the theme or concept you want to explore. This could be personal experiences, social issues or emotions.
- Gather inspiration from various sources, such as existing artworks, literature, nature, or personal experiences.
- Decide on the material for your surface, including canvas, wood, paper, or textiles, to align with your concept
Keywords
Concept - the underlying idea, message, or theme
Intention - the purpose behind your creative choices
Surface - the base or foundation you work on
Common misconception
Only paper and canvas are proper or professional surfaces for making art
Artists have long worked on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass, fabric, cardboard, plastic, ceramics, and more. The surface is a creative choice, not a limitation.
Encourage pupils to test multiple surfaces early in the process, even in small sample form before committing to one. This helps them understand how surface impacts technique and expression, and gives them the confidence to make intentional, informed choices that align with their concept and theme.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Paint, paper, cardboard, fabric, (metal, wood and glass/plexiglass if possible), thread, needles, scissors, pens, oil pastels.
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 the term given to trying out new ideas, materials or techniques?
What is the term given to trying out new ideas, materials or techniques?
completing
finalising
refining
implementing
Q2.What are the materials and tools used to create artwork called?
What are the materials and tools used to create artwork called?
texture
medium
technique
Q3.Photographs and drawings are a strong starting point for idea because they provide original material.
Photographs and drawings are a strong starting point for idea because they provide original material.
Q4.True or false? 'A collage can only be made from cut-up paper.'
True or false? 'A collage can only be made from cut-up paper.'
true
Q5.What is the position or angle from which the photographer takes the photo called?
What is the position or angle from which the photographer takes the photo called?
Q6.What is the main focus of a photograph called?
What is the main focus of a photograph called?
object
image
scene
