New
New
The elements of art: composition
I can identify and assemble composition techniques.
Lesson 1 of 7
New
New
- Year 7
The elements of art: composition
I can identify and assemble composition techniques.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Composition is the arrangement of the various art elements
- Different compositional rules help to create a focal point and lead a viewer around the image
- Magazines use composition to help draw the viewer in to a specific story, and are usually mainstream
- A zine is a self-published booklet that is often more experimental with designs and layouts
Keywords
Balance - a more even distribution of visual elements
Composition - how elements are positioned, aligned and arranged
Arrangement - the organisation and ordering of visual elements
Common misconception
Composition is only used in one way to express realistic images.
Composition is used by artists in many ways, and how composition is used can change across cultures.
Create your own abstract zine to model to the pupils
Teacher tip
Equipment
Scissors, glue and coloured papers/card.
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 element of art refers to how things are arranged visually?
Which element of art refers to how things are arranged visually?
shape
texture
space
form
Q2.Fill in the gap: Composition is an element of ...
Fill in the gap: Composition is an element of ...
music.
writing.
film.
materials.
Q3.Another word for composition is .
Another word for composition is .
Q4.A composition is made up of ...
A composition is made up of ...
pencils.
blending and shading.
Q5.True or false? Composition in art can only be used in flat 2D art such as paintings, drawings, zines etc.
True or false? Composition in art can only be used in flat 2D art such as paintings, drawings, zines etc.
False, composition is used in all forms of art.
Q6.Why is composition important in art?
Why is composition important in art?
It makes the art look pretty.
It helps you to add texture and detail to your artwork.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.It can be easier to see composition more clearly when the visual artwork is in .
It can be easier to see composition more clearly when the visual artwork is in .
Q2.Match each term with its correct definition.
Match each term with its correct definition.
Q3.What type of composition is this?
What type of composition is this?
Q4.The golden spiral composition is also referred to as ...
The golden spiral composition is also referred to as ...
the S-curve.
the swirl composition.
the Coculeatus layout.
Q5.A zine (from magazine) is a ...
A zine (from magazine) is a ...
mini magazine.
a short maths booklet.
a style of graphic novel combining illustration.
Q6.‘The Golden Ratio/spiral' or ‘Fibonacci sequence’ is a composition that occurs in nature. It reflects the rate and pattern in which many things grow including ...
‘The Golden Ratio/spiral' or ‘Fibonacci sequence’ is a composition that occurs in nature. It reflects the rate and pattern in which many things grow including ...
humans.
