Create an abstract composition
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use tools of my own making to create an abstract composition
Key learning points
- Artists can use material qualities to enhance mood, movement and meaning in a composition.
- Artists can refer to mark-making samples or testers to remember tools and processes used to create specific marks.
- Abstract compositions might include the shapes and lines found in everyday objects, imagining them in a new way.
Keywords
Abstract - art that does not try to represent something realistically
Composition - the arrangement of visual elements such as shapes, colours and lines, within an artwork
Mark-making - the lines, dots and scratches created by tools
Common misconception
All papers have the same texture.
Remind children that different papers have different textures. For example, tracing paper is smooth and thin, while watercolor paper is thick and textured. Materials can look and behave differently depending on the surface of the paper.
Teacher tip
If children are unable to access objects from home for this lesson, objects from around the school or classroom would be appropriate. Children could also use digital devices to find images suitable for this task.
Equipment
ink, textured papers, paintbrushes, self-made mark-making tools from previous lesson, water pots, scissors
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is mark-making?
Q2.Mark-making tools can be made from or found materials.
Q3.Match the tool with its description:
Commonly used for painting
Used by First Nation Australian artists
Used by Esther Mahlangu
Q4.True or False: all cultures use paintbrushes as their primary tool for art.
Q5.Why might an artist test their mark-making tools?
Q6.Using materials unique to you helps to tell a in your artwork.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is abstract art?
Q2.The arrangement of visual elements in an artwork is called ...
Q3.Match the term with its definition:
Arrangement of visual elements
Creating lines and textures
Artwork not depicting reality
Q4.True or False: all papers used in art have the same texture.
Q5.Why do artists layer ink in their compositions?
Q6.Using everyday objects as inspiration helps artists to create __________ compositions.
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Create an abstract composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Create an abstract composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Abstract art: drawing, printing and textiles unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.