Layers and symbols: surface, texture and identity
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a textured artwork that expresses who I am through pattern, layers, and materials.
Key learning points
- Thick texture can show emotion and link to a place.
- Personal objects and images can become symbols of identity.
- Material surfaces and patterns can carry cultural or spiritual meaning.
Keywords
Texture - the way a surface looks or feels
Impasto - using thick paint to make a bumpy, textured surface on the artwork
Memory - something you remember from the past - an event, a place, a feeling, or a person
Common misconception
If the shapes look abstract, it seems like they don’t mean anything.
Artists often use abstract shapes and textures to suggest hidden meaning or feeling. Symbols and patterns can carry personal or spiritual meaning - and sometimes, part of the power is in the mystery.
Teacher tip
Use real objects or high-quality images to help pupils make concrete connections between abstract ideas and physical materials. Guide the discussion toward meaning and intention, so they understand that even abstract shapes can carry powerful stories.
Equipment
Card, acrylic paint, flour, corrugated card, clay tools and objects relating to identity.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which technique is best for creating a soft background that doesn't distract from the portrait?
Q2.What is the coloured substance in paint that gives it its hue?
Q3.Match the keyword to its correct meaning.
the coloured substance used in paint
the strength or weakness of a colour
using fewer details or colours to keep the focus clear
Q4.Put these steps in the correct order when painting a layered portrait.
Q5.What word describes the lightness or darkness of a colour?
Q6.Which word means holding back or using less for effect in portrait?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What can thick texture in an artwork help to show?
Q2.What is impasto?
Q3.What does it mean if shapes in an artwork look abstract?
Q4.What is a memory?
To help you plan your 6 art and design lesson on: Layers and symbols: surface, texture and identity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 art and design lesson on: Layers and symbols: surface, texture and identity, 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 Charting self: exploring portrait and identity unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.