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Lesson 2 of 4
  • Year 6

Layers and symbols: surface, texture and identity

I can create a textured artwork that expresses who I am through pattern, layers, and materials.

Lesson 2 of 4
New
New
  • Year 6

Layers and symbols: surface, texture and identity

I can create a textured artwork that expresses who I am through pattern, layers, and materials.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Thick texture can show emotion and link to a place.
  2. Personal objects and images can become symbols of identity.
  3. 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.


To help you plan your year 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...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Card, acrylic paint, flour, corrugated card, clay tools and objects relating to identity.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which technique is best for creating a soft background that doesn't distract from the portrait?

thick layering
Correct answer: colour wash
hard shading
scratching

Q2.
What is the coloured substance in paint that gives it its hue?

Correct Answer: pigment

Q3.
Match the keyword to its correct meaning.

Correct Answer:pigment,the coloured substance used in paint

the coloured substance used in paint

Correct Answer:tone,the strength or weakness of a colour

the strength or weakness of a colour

Correct Answer:restraint,using fewer details or colours to keep the focus clear

using fewer details or colours to keep the focus clear

Q4.
Put these steps in the correct order when painting a layered portrait.

1 - Sketch the outline of the portrait.
2 - Apply layers of colour to build tone and feeling.
3 - Add layers of colour to build tone and feeling.
4 - Add details like facial features.

Q5.
What word describes the lightness or darkness of a colour?

Correct Answer: tone

Q6.
Which word means holding back or using less for effect in portrait?

Correct Answer: restraint

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What can thick texture in an artwork help to show?

neatness and perfection
Correct answer: emotion and a link to a place
a smooth, flat design

Q2.
What is impasto?

a type of gold paint
Correct answer: using thick paint to make a bumpy surface
a type of fabric

Q3.
What does it mean if shapes in an artwork look abstract?

They don’t carry any meaning.
Correct answer: They can still express ideas, feelings, or stories, even without clear details.
They are just random shapes with no purpose.

Q4.
What is a memory?

something you plan for the future
Correct answer: something you remember from the past
a type of pattern