New
New
Tonal studies of microorganisms
I can create a tonal, mixed media study of a microorganism.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 4
Tonal studies of microorganisms
I can create a tonal, mixed media study of a microorganism.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Collages are made by layering materials on a surface.
- Artists can create tones in many ways, including collage.
- An artwork that incorporates multiple materials is referred to as a mixed media artwork.
Keywords
Tone - how light or dark something is
Collage - to arrange and layer materials onto a surface
Mixed media - an artwork that is made using a range of different materials
Common misconception
Artists can only use one material to create tone in an artwork.
Remind children that artists can use a range of materials within one artwork to show tone. This is called a mixed-media artwork.
For task B, encourage children to make choices over thier media by providing a range of resorces.
Teacher tip
Equipment
charcoal, chalk, ink, collage papers, water pots, paintbrushes, drawing pens
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.How can artists use paint to create layers in their artwork?
How can artists use paint to create layers in their artwork?
by mixing all the colours together
by using only one layer of paint
by painting with their fingers
Q2.Why might an artist use a paintbrush to make splatters in their artwork?
Why might an artist use a paintbrush to make splatters in their artwork?
to create smooth lines
to fill the whole page with paint
to draw straight shapes
Q3.Artists must always make an exact copy when responding to a stimulus, using all the same colours and patterns.
Artists must always make an exact copy when responding to a stimulus, using all the same colours and patterns.
True
Q4.When creating artwork, you should ignore patterns, lines, and tones.
When creating artwork, you should ignore patterns, lines, and tones.
True
Q5.Light and dark tones are used by artists to create shadows and depth in their artwork.
Light and dark tones are used by artists to create shadows and depth in their artwork.
False
Q6.Match the key word to the definition.
Match the key word to the definition.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Tone refers to how light or dark something is in an artwork.
Tone refers to how light or dark something is in an artwork.
False
Q2.A collage is when artists arrange and layer materials onto a surface to create a new artwork.
A collage is when artists arrange and layer materials onto a surface to create a new artwork.
False
Q3.What does mixed media mean in art?
What does mixed media mean in art?
using only one material like paint
using only natural materials like leaves and stones
drawing with only pencils
Q4.Tone can be described as dark, and light.
Tone can be described as dark, and light.
bright
quiet
loud
Q5.Which of the following can artists use to create tone?
Which of the following can artists use to create tone?
only markers and crayons
only digital tools
only coloured pencils
Q6.Match the key word to the correct definition.
Match the key word to the correct definition.
