New
New
The family in art
I can create an artwork to represent family connections
Lesson 1 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
The family in art
I can create an artwork to represent family connections
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists often explore family as a theme in their work, reflecting on relationships and connections to others.
- Artists explore wider aspects of what family means, both literally and conceptually.
- Artists use various creative methods, including portraiture to explore family relationships.
Keywords
Family - family means the people who care for us, support us, and help us feel safe, whether related by blood, by choice, or by circumstance
Connections - A relationship in which a person is linked or associated with someone or something
Represent - to serve as a sign or symbol of something
Common misconception
Pets are not part of a family because they are animals.
Many people give their pets names, celebrate their birthdays, and care for them every day. Pets can be part of the family.
Encourage pupils to think beyond traditional ideas of family. Remind them that families and relationships come in many forms including biological, chosen, cultural, or emotional. Create a safe, open space where pupils feel comfortable representing their version of family.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A3 or A4 paper, acrylic or ready mix paint, oil pastels, pencils, erasers, figure outlines or templates, pieces of card
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following would most likely represent a melting ice cream?
Which of the following would most likely represent a melting ice cream?
Torn, layered paper
Stripes made with purple and black oil pastel
Q2.In art, what does it mean to express something?
In art, what does it mean to express something?
To copy something exactly
To use expensive materials
Q3.Why might an artist use memories in their artwork?
Why might an artist use memories in their artwork?
To copy another artist
To make people laugh
Q4.How can an artist show sound in a drawing or painting?
How can an artist show sound in a drawing or painting?
By drawing musical instruments only
By writing the lyrics from songs
Q5.How could a pleasant smell be expressed through art?
How could a pleasant smell be expressed through art?
Black dots and red stripes
Black lines
Q6.How can memories be captured?
How can memories be captured?
In your hand
You can't capture memories
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Why is family important for many people?
Why is family important for many people?
Because family always agrees on everything
Family are there to borrow money from
Q2.Which of the following best shows how artists can represent different types of families in art?
Which of the following best shows how artists can represent different types of families in art?
By showing only traditional families with a mother, father, and children
By copying photos from magazines
Q3.For what reasons do families have difficult relationships?
For what reasons do families have difficult relationships?
Because family members don’t live in the same house
Because all families argue every day on purpose
Q4.Which of the following is a common misconception about pets and families?
Which of the following is a common misconception about pets and families?
Pets are important members of many families and can be included in family art
Pets can provide love, comfort, and companionship just like people do
Q5.Does a family portrait have to be realistic?
Does a family portrait have to be realistic?
Artists must always follow strict rules when drawing people
Only realistic portraits are considered as art
