New
New
Identifying starting points
I can make choices and source inspiration to identify a starting point for a theme.
Lesson 1 of 18
New
New
- Year 10
Identifying starting points
I can make choices and source inspiration to identify a starting point for a theme.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists often reflect on their personal experiences, emotions and memories as a foundation for their work.
- Studying the works of other artists and historical movements can inspire new concepts and techniques.
- Identifying central themes or questions that intrigue them can provide a clear direction for their projects.
- Engaging with contemporary issues or events can provide a relevant and timely context for artistic expression.
Keywords
Identify - establish or indicate what something is
Starting point - a place that marks the beginning of a journey
Inspiration - someone or something that gives you ideas
Theme - an idea that recurs and is apparent throughout
Common misconception
All artists take inspiration from one source.
Artists might take inspiration from a wide range of sources including surroundings, objects, personal experiences, memories, artist's work or historical and contemporary movements.
Support pupils to reflect upon their sources of inspiration, enabling them to make choices to identify a starting point for a theme.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Sketchbook, pencil, pencil crayons, access to computers.
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.Which of the following is not an example of using annotation effectively?
Which of the following is not an example of using annotation effectively?
recording ideas
communicating artistic intentions
reflecting on the work of artists
Q2.What is a sketchbook used for?
What is a sketchbook used for?
storing completed pieces of art
for writing down research only
making artwork for other subjects
Q3.Which of the following are examples of cultural context?
Which of the following are examples of cultural context?
the weather
Q4.Which of the following statements is not an example of critical thinking in art?
Which of the following statements is not an example of critical thinking in art?
considering what the artist was trying to communicate
examining the brush strokes and colour palette used
discussing a piece of art
Q5.What does process mean in the context of art?
What does process mean in the context of art?
man-made art materials
a completed final piece
mass production
Q6.Which of the following is not a primary source?
Which of the following is not a primary source?
a skateboard
real-life objects
original sculpture
Assessment exit quiz
2 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of a mind map in art?
What is the purpose of a mind map in art?
Q2.Which of the following are key elements to generating a theme.
Which of the following are key elements to generating a theme.
Choose a theme that you have seen many times before
choose the same idea as your friends
