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      Making sense: art and wellbeing

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can support my wellbeing through creative expression.

      Key learning points

      1. Artists explore their own wellbeing as a means of self-expression.
      2. Artists explore wellbeing in their art to raise awareness, and foster empathy and understanding in society.
      3. Art practice can promote relaxation providing a calming experience.

      Keywords

      • Wellbeing - how you feel about yourself and your life

      • Express - share thoughts and feelings

      • Reflect - to think deeply about something

      Common misconception

      Thinking that everyone else's emotional state is as it appear to be.

      People can’t support you if they don’t know you need it. When someone wears an emotional mask, it’s hard to know the real person.

      Teacher tip

      People often hide their struggles, so kindness matters more than assumptions.

      Equipment

      Paper face mask or mask template, paint, marker pens, collage materials, glue, scissors.

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - equipment

      Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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.
      Which of the following best describes how memories can influence art creation?

      Memories are never used in artwork.
      Correct answer: Artists may draw on personal experiences and memories to communicate ideas.
      Memories have no impact on the artist's creative process.

      Q2.
      What does composition mean in art?

      the ability to blend colours effectively
      Correct answer: the arrangement of visual elements within a work of art
      the technique of shading to create depth

      Q3.
      Why is colour theory important in art?

      to focus only on the primary colours
      to learn how to mix the colour purple only
      Correct answer: to provide a framework for learning how colours interact

      Q4.
      Which of the following is considered to be drawing?

      Correct answer: making marks on a surface to create an image
      using a paintbrush to apply paints
      using coloured pencils to fill in shapes

      Q5.
      What is it important to reflect on your own artwork?

      to finish faster next time
      to make your work look perfect
      Correct answer: to understand what went well and what could improve

      Q6.
      Why do people make art?

      Correct answer: to communicate ideas
      Correct answer: to tell stories
      Correct answer: to express emotions

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following does not contribute to physical wellbeing?

      nutritious food
      regular exercise
      Correct answer: lack of sleep

      Q2.
      Which of the following can benefit general wellbeing?

      Correct answer: managing stress
      sleeping all day
      staring at screens all day

      Q3.
      Why do artists explore wellbeing as a means of expression?

      to gain sympathy
      It was the only subject they could think of.
      Correct answer: to process their emotions

      Q4.
      Why do some people hide their true emotions?

      Correct answer: to avoid expressing vulnerability
      to feel better about themselves
      to make others uncomfortable

      To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Making sense: art and wellbeing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...