New
New
Exploring portraits through 3D
I can manipulate clay to model 3D portraits.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Exploring portraits through 3D
I can manipulate clay to model 3D portraits.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Depicting a person in 3D has been done for hundreds of years using materials such as marble, clay and stone.
- Clay is a malleable material and has been used by artists to create portrait forms.
- Clay can be used in many ways and an artist's style can be seen through how they manipulate the clay.
Keywords
Depict - to show or represent something in a picture, drawing, or description.
Sculpture - a work of art that can be seen in the round, is three dimensional or as a relief.
Contour - the outline or shape of something, especially the curves of a surface.
Modelling - the process of shaping and forming clay, often by hand.
Common misconception
Only large, figurative sculptures are considered 3D portraits.
3D portraits can be created in various sizes and forms, not just large figurative sculptures. They can include small, detailed works or abstract representations.
Encourage students to experiment with the clay’s malleable qualities when creating 3D portraits. Advise them not to have a fixed idea of the final result, but to let the material guide them. This will help foster creativity and allow unexpected forms to emerge during the process.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pencil, clay, parchment paper (so that clay does not stick to the table)
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 main difference between shape and form in 3D art?
What is the main difference between shape and form in 3D art?
Shape is 3D, form is 2D
Shape and form are the same
Form refers to texture in art
Q2.To stop clay from sticking to the table, you can use:
To stop clay from sticking to the table, you can use:
wood, metal, bristles
plastic, glass, paper
wood, plastic, potters wheel
Q3.Match the terminology (clay tool or technique) to what it helps with:
Match the terminology (clay tool or technique) to what it helps with:
Q4.What is one advantage of using clay for 3D portraits?
What is one advantage of using clay for 3D portraits?
It’s heavy and difficult to mould
It can’t be shaped at all
It can only be used for flat objects
Q5.Clay can be used to add texture or details to a clay sculpture.
Clay can be used to add texture or details to a clay sculpture.
Q6.Which of the following is a benefit of using clay in 3D portraiture?
Which of the following is a benefit of using clay in 3D portraiture?
It is easy to break and crumble
It can only be used once
It cannot hold detail
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its correct definition:
Match the term to its correct definition:
Q2.3D portraits have been created for centuries using soilid materials such as marble, stone and soft materials such as ...
3D portraits have been created for centuries using soilid materials such as marble, stone and soft materials such as ...
Q3.Modern 3D portraits explore identity and social issues through ...
Modern 3D portraits explore identity and social issues through ...
Only traditional materials like clay and marble
Techniques like painting and drawing
A variety of materials and techniques
Q4.Why might some artists like to work in 3D?
Why might some artists like to work in 3D?
It limits their creativity to flat surfaces
It makes artwork easier to transport
It requires less space to create than 2D art
Q5.Artists use different methods to think in 3D when creating portraits. Which of the following can help an artist visualise a 3D form?
Artists use different methods to think in 3D when creating portraits. Which of the following can help an artist visualise a 3D form?
Writing notes
Cleaning equipment
Q6.Pareidolia means we recognise faces and figures even in inanimate objects. Which of the following best describes pareidolia?
Pareidolia means we recognise faces and figures even in inanimate objects. Which of the following best describes pareidolia?
Recognising familiar sounds
Feeling emotions through colour
Understanding abstract shapes
