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      Make a tonal study of a robot sculpture

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a tonal study of a sculpture.

      Key learning points

      1. Creating a tonal study involves sketching lightly and using shading techniques, like cross-hatching.
      2. Cross-hatching is a shading technique where you draw lines in one direction, then add another set crossing over them.
      3. Overlapping objects, varying height, and adding background elements make a composition more engaging.

      Keywords

      • Sketch/sketching - making quick and simple drawings to show ideas or the things we see

      • Shade/shading - drawn marks to show areas of light and dark

      • Tone - how light or dark something is

      • Cross-hatching - drawing lines that cross over each other and are placed close together

      • Composition - is the combination of a selection of elements arranged and organised

      Common misconception

      Some children might think cross-hatching is just drawing straight lines to create shading.

      Show pupils different examples of cross-hatching and allow time to practise other shading techniques.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage students to experiment with different line directions and thicknesses when cross-hatching. Remind them that the closer the lines are together, the darker the shading will appear. Offer support by demonstrating how cross-hatching can be used on different parts of the robot.

      Equipment

      robot sculptures, mark-making media

      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.
      Tone is how light or dark something is. Select the darkest tone.

      Correct answer: Option 1
      Option 2
      Option 3

      Q2.
      Which details should you focus on when refining a sculpture?

      Correct answer: the textures and shape to enhance realism and interest
      the size of the sculpture
      Correct answer: the choice of colours to improve the design

      Q3.
      Put the steps for creating a sketch in the correct order.

      1 - Draw basic shapes.
      2 - Outline the sketch.
      3 - Add shading.
      4 - Add details.

      Q4.
      What is this joining technique called?

      An image in a quiz
      gluing
      slotting
      stacking
      Correct answer: nailing

      Q5.
      your final sculpture to your maquette helps to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.

      Joining
      Gluing
      Correct answer: Comparing

      Q6.
      Match the word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:refine,making small changes to improve a piece of art

      making small changes to improve a piece of art

      Correct Answer:recyclable material,the process of converting waste into reusable material

      the process of converting waste into reusable material

      Correct Answer:purpose,a reason for doing something

      a reason for doing something

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Composition is the and organisation of a selection of elements.

      tone
      Correct answer: arrangement
      background

      Q2.
      Put the steps for creating a tonal study in the correct order.

      1 - Look at the object carefully and observe the light and dark areas.
      2 - Start by lightly sketching the shape of the object.
      3 - Gradually add lighter shades to make smooth transitions between light and dark.
      4 - Add the darkest areas using a dark pencil or charcoal.

      Q3.
      Complete the sentence: Adding tone makes a drawing more realistic and ...

      colourful.
      Correct answer: three-dimensional.
      imaginative.
      smooth.

      Q4.
      We can describe the range of tones by using the terms dark tone, and light tone.

      Correct Answer: midtone, mid tone, mid-tone

      Q5.
      What is this shading technique called?

      An image in a quiz
      scribbling
      colouring
      Correct answer: cross-hatching

      Q6.
      Match the word to its definition.

      Correct Answer:tone,how light or dark something is

      how light or dark something is

      Correct Answer:shade/shading,drawn marks to show areas of light and dark

      drawn marks to show areas of light and dark

      Correct Answer:sketch/sketching,making quick and simple drawings to show ideas or the things we see

      making quick and simple drawings to show ideas or the things we see

      Correct Answer:cross-hatching,drawing lines that cross over each other and placed closely together

      drawing lines that cross over each other and placed closely together

      Correct Answer:composition,is the combination of a selection of elements arranged and organised

      is the combination of a selection of elements arranged and organised


      To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Make a tonal study of a robot sculpture, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...