Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 8

Mark-making using different tools

I can explain what tools are and can make different tools to create expressive mark-making

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 8

Mark-making using different tools

I can explain what tools are and can make different tools to create expressive mark-making

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

View new resources

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. It is important to experiment with different tools to discover the variety of marks each one can make
  2. Trying different approaches can lead to new discoveries, like flicking, smudging, smearing
  3. We can be adventurous with tools, using found objects can create interesting marks

Keywords

  • Mark-making - the process of creating different lines, textures, and patterns in art

  • Art tools - instruments or materials used by artists to create marks, textures, shapes, and forms in their artwork

  • Texture - in art this refers to the way a surface feels or looks like it feels

Common misconception

All paintings are made with paint brushes.

Using different types of tools helps abstract artists create lots of different types of expressive marks and textures in their work.


To help you plan your year 8 art and design lesson on: Mark-making using different tools, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This lesson could be linked to recycling and using recycled materials.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Found objects, toothbrushes, cotton buds, natural forms, poster paint, matt emulsion or acrylic paint

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

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What is the primary difference between auditory and visual stimuli in art?
Auditory stimuli involve images, while visual stimuli involve sounds
Correct answer: Auditory stimuli involve sounds, while visual stimuli involve images
Both involve sounds and images in the same way
Neither involve sounds or images
Q2.
Match each natural element or concept with how it might inspire art
Correct Answer:Ocean waves,Fluid brushstrokes in painting

Fluid brushstrokes in painting

Correct Answer:Falling leaves,Seasonal colour palettes

Seasonal colour palettes

Correct Answer:Storms,Dramatic textures and emotion

Dramatic textures and emotion

Correct Answer:Flowers,Botanical illustrations

Botanical illustrations

Correct Answer:Sunlight,Light and shadow in photography

Light and shadow in photography

Correct Answer:Birds in flight,Dynamic motion in sculpture

Dynamic motion in sculpture

Q3.
What does abstract painting use to convey emotions or ideas?
Realistic representations of people and objects
Correct answer: Expressive shapes, colours, and forms
Only black-and-white tones to create mood
Photographic accuracy and detail
Q4.
Expressive artworks use dynamic brushstrokes and bold colours to communicate rather than depict reality.
Correct Answer: emotions, ideas, thoughts, actions, feelings
Q5.
In art, stimuli can be visual, auditory, or elements that evoke reactions
Correct Answer: tactile, emotional, spiritual, mental
Q6.
What do different stimuli like nature, emotions, and music help artists do in their artwork?
Create uniform and repetitive themes
Correct answer: Create unique and diverse artworks
Limit their creativity
Focus only on visual elements

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
How have different cultures used tools in art throughout history?
To create identical art across all cultures
Correct answer: To reflect their traditions and environments
To limit their artistic expression
To only make decorative objects
Q2.
is the process of creating different marks, lines, textures, and patterns in art
Correct Answer: Mark-making, Composition, Painting, Sculpture
Q3.
Why is it important to experiment with different tools in art?
To create uniform marks
Correct answer: To discover the variety of marks each tool can make
To limit creativity
To focus only on one technique
Q4.
Why is using different types of tools important for abstract artists?
It helps create uniform marks and textures
Correct answer: It allows for expressive marks and textures beyond traditional tools
To limit creativity in artwork
To only work with brushes and traditional tools
Q5.
What does texture in art refer to?
The colour of a surface
Correct answer: The way a surface feels or looks like it feels
The size of the artwork
The depth of the artwork
Q6.
Custom mark-making tools allow artists to tailor their creative process to their vision.
Correct Answer: personal, abstract, realistic, shared

Additional material

Download additional material