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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create frottage leaf studies using different textures and colours.

      Key learning points

      1. Frottage is a technique of rubbing over textures to create art.
      2. Different textures can be found in natural objects like leaves.
      3. Colours can enhance the visual appeal of frottage art.

      Keywords

      • Frottage - making an artwork by rubbing over a textured surface with a media to see the pattern underneath

      • Texture - how something feels or how something looks like it would feel

      • Leaf - a flat, green part of a plant, often used for frottage to capture its texture

      Common misconception

      Pupils may think that they will need to always use leaves when creating a frottage. Pupils may think frottage involves drawing objects such as leaves.

      Frottage involves rubbing over textures, not drawing them. It captures the texture of surfaces rather than depicting them with lines. While leaves are commonly used, frottage can be done with various textured objects like coins or wood.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage students to explore and touch different natural objects before starting their art. This will help them connect with the textures, shapes, and materials they are using, making the experience more engaging and meaningful. Let them describe how these objects feel, look, and smell.

      Equipment

      Oil pastels or crayons, leaves and other natural or textured objects.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      What does texture mean?

      Correct answer: how something feels or how something looks like it would feel
      the colour of an object or the brightness of it
      the size of an object or how big it is

      Q2.
      What does 'colour' refer to in art?

      a drawing tool
      a type of texture
      Correct answer: the property of an object perceived by the eyes

      Q3.
      Which of these words describes texture?

      Correct answer: soft
      bright
      tall
      Correct answer: smooth

      Q4.
      What type of shape is a typical leaf?

      a geometric shape
      Correct answer: an organic shape

      Q5.
      Which natural object feels soft?

      a stone
      Correct answer: a cotton flower
      a leaf
      a twig

      Q6.
      What is composition?

      the size of objects in an artwork
      the selection of colours in an artwork
      Correct answer: the arrangement of images or elements in an artwork
      the variety of lines in an artwork

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Frottage is a technique of creating art by over a textured surface with a pencil or crayon.

      erasing
      painting
      etching
      Correct answer: rubbing

      Q2.
      When making a frottage, what part of a leaf will show lines in the rubbing?

      Correct answer: the veins, stem and edges
      the stem only
      the smooth parts only
      the edges only

      Q3.
      Why is it best to start with lighter colours when making a frottage?

      Correct answer: so you can add darker colours to highlight textures
      because it’s harder to see dark colours
      because light colours are the only ones that work
      to make the paper smoother

      Q4.
      What are the steps in creating a frottage?

      1 - Pick a textured object, like a leaf.
      2 - Place the leaf vein-side up.
      3 - Place your paper on top.
      4 - Start rubbing with light colours.
      5 - Layer with darker colours.

      To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Make frottage leaf studies, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...