Artists who use the rainforest as inspiration for their artwork
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe how rainforest themes influence artists' work.
Key learning points
- Rainforest themes can be identified in artworks through specific features.
- Artists often draw inspiration from the vibrant colours and diverse life of the rainforest.
- Artists consider composition when creating their artwork.
Keywords
Rainforest - a dense, tropical forest with diverse ecosystems
Diversity - the state of being diverse; variety, especially in species or forms
Composition - how the images or elements are arranged within an artwork
Feature - a part of something that makes it special
Common misconception
Pupils may think that artists need to have directly experienced something or physically visited somewhere to be inspired to create an artwork.
Explain that artists can be inspired by the rainforest without being physically present there. Clarify that art inspired by rainforests could focus on plants, landscapes, or abstract interpretations.
Teacher tip
You could set the scene by playing rainforest-inspired sounds or music, like gentle rainfall, bird calls, and rustling leaves, while pupils work. This creates an immersive environment, helping them feel connected to the rainforest and inspiring creative ideas.
Equipment
Tablet/computer is required for research. Colouring media will be required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What materials could you use to make a collage of the natural world?
Q2.Which tool can be used to erase mistakes?
Q3.Select the primary colours.
Q4.Which drawing technique shows dots?
Q5.Which of these animals might live in a rainforest?
Q6.What is the main difference between a collage and a painting?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a key feature often found in artwork inspired by the rainforest?
Q2.Which artist is known for creating rainforest inspired paintings?
Q3.Diversity is the state of being diverse; variety, especially in or forms.
Q4.Why might an artist use bright colours and animal images in an artwork that is inspired by the rainforest?
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Artists who use the rainforest as inspiration for their artwork, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Artists who use the rainforest as inspiration for their artwork, 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 The Rainforest: drawing and painting unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.