New
New
Drawing natural forms in an abstract style
I can draw the simple shapes and lines of a complex fossil then rearrange them into my own abstract picture.
Lesson 1 of 5
New
New
- Year 4
Drawing natural forms in an abstract style
I can draw the simple shapes and lines of a complex fossil then rearrange them into my own abstract picture.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The complex forms we observe can be drawn by breaking them down into simpler component shapes.
- Abstract art can be made by simplifying and rearranging shapes and lines to our own artistic intentions.
Keywords
Abstract - art that does not try to represent something realistically, but uses lines, colours and textures instead
Rearrange - change the position or order of something
Complex form - a form which contains several different shapes combined within it
Common misconception
There is a right and wrong way in which to rearrange lines and shapes when making abstract art.
There is no right or wrong - in abstract art shapes and lines can be rearranged according to the intentions of the artist.
In Task A pupils might draw from the fossil image provided or from another fossil drawing, photographs or real life fossils.
Teacher tip
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 abstract art?
What is abstract art?
Art that looks exactly like real life.
Art that only uses black and white colours.
Q2.Abstract art must always look like real objects.
Abstract art must always look like real objects.
True
Q3.Which of the following shapes is an example of a geometric shape?
Which of the following shapes is an example of a geometric shape?
tree
cloud
flower
Q4.Match the type of line with its description.
Match the type of line with its description.
Q5.Fill in the blank. Chalk and are tools that can create both light and dark marks in drawings.
Fill in the blank. Chalk and are tools that can create both light and dark marks in drawings.
rulers
wood
glue
Q6.Match the tool to its characteristic.
Match the tool to its characteristic.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To simplify something is to...
To simplify something is to...
make something.
make something exciting.
make something complex.
Q2.Which of the following is true?
Which of the following is true?
Complex shapes aren’t needed to draw things.
Complex shapes are all you need to draw things.
Q3.What does the term abstract mean?
What does the term abstract mean?
Art that tries to represent things realistically.
Art that does not try to represent things abstractly.
Art that does not try.
Q4.This type of line starts from a central point and moves outward in all directions. It is known as a line.
This type of line starts from a central point and moves outward in all directions. It is known as a line.
curved
straight
zigzag
Q5.Which of these best describes rearranging something?
Which of these best describes rearranging something?
You change the direction.
You change the route.
Q6.Which of these statements is correct?
Which of these statements is correct?
Abstract artists make things look realistic.
Abstract artists don’t need to rearrange things.
Abstract artists don’t simplify anything.
