Abstract marks: respond to stimuli by painting
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand what mark making is and can use it to respond to different stimuli by painting.
Key learning points
- Colours are a vehicle for expressing emotion, we can use shapes and marks to describe an experience.
- Sound, such as a thunderstorm, provides a stimulus to which we can respond quickly and with energy.
- We can apply paint using a variety of tools to create texture in response to natural stimuli.
Keywords
Texture - the way something feels or looks. Texture can be real, you can feel it with your hands, or visual, it looks textured, but it’s actually smooth.
Gestural - the physical motion of applying paint, creating dynamic and energetic marks
Layering - building up different marks, colours, and textures to add depth and meaning
Common misconception
Mark-making is only needed in abstract work.
Artists use different marks to express emotions, create mood, and bring their artwork to life.
Teacher tip
Painting whilst listening to music is suggested in this lesson.
Equipment
Paint, painting tools, sponges. You can use poster paint, acrylic or household emulsion.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is mark-making?
Q2.Which of these are examples of mark-making?
Q3.What is the name for mark-making that uses lots of small dots?
Q4.Which mark-making technique uses criss-cross lines?
Q5.Which of these tools can not be used for mark-making?
Q6.Match the mark-making technique to the description.
parallel lines close together for shading
lines that cross over each other
lots of small dots to build up tone
loose, random lines to show energy
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the tool to the type of mark it is most likely to make.
blended, smooth shading
fluid, flowing strokes
loose, scratchy lines
bold, textured dabs
Q2.How do artists often find inspiration for their work?
Q3.How might an artist respond to visual and auditory (sound) stimuli?
Q4.Why might an artist create a mood board?
Q5.What type of marks might an artist use to represent a violent sea storm in a painting?
Q6.Artists use different stimuli like sounds, images, and objects to help spark new ideas and emotions in their artwork.
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Abstract marks: respond to stimuli by painting, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Abstract marks: respond to stimuli by painting, 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 3 art and design lessons from the Abstract painting: sustainable materials unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.