Creating and refining an abstract collage
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make an abstract collage, using texture and pattern to compose and frame a strong focal point.
Key learning points
- By refining our collage we can consolidate the idea or meaning
- Small additions, like text or embellishments can add interesting details and focus attention
- Trimming or creating a frame can pull an artwork together
Keywords
Abstract - artwork that does not depict a recognisable picture, place, person or object in the real world.
Focal point - the area of an artwork that immediately captures your attention. It could be the brightest colour, the sharpest detail, or even the largest subject in the composition.
Frame - surrounding or highlighting part of an image to make it stand out, artists can use lines, shapes, colours, or even leave empty space around a subject to draw our attention.
Common misconception
Abstract collages need to have perfect symmetry or recognisable shapes.
Abstract collages don’t need symmetry or recognisable images. The beauty of abstraction lies in experimenting to create something visually engaging which can express ideas or emotions and finding balance through the arrangement.
Teacher tip
You might want to further develop prior work using photocopies or waste scrap papers in this lesson. This lessons could be personalised to your local area if there is an appropriate local artist you could reference.
Equipment
A range of collage surfaces, paint, drawing materials, tape, glue, scissors, paper trimmer [if possible] rulers. Optional: string or thread, patterend tape or marker pens.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions.
How elements are arranged in an artwork
To change or adjust something
To improve by making small changes
the illusion of depth and space to make an image look 3D
Q2.What does "abstract" mean in art?
Q3.Fill in the gap:
The of an artwork is the way elements are arranged to create balance and interest.
Q4.What is a focal point in an artwork?
Q5.Match the manipulation method to its correct description:
Cutting or tearing
Moving elements and images around
Sticking materials together
Placing materials on top of each other for depth
Q6.Which statement correctly describes the difference between representational, surreal, and abstract art?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to their definitions
Artwork that doesn’t depict real objects
The area that draws the most attention
Surrounding something to make it stand out
Q2.Multiple Choice: How can artists refine their abstract collage?
Q3.Fill in the gap:
By or creating a frame, artists can pull their artwork together.
Q4.What is one way to create a focal point in a collage?
Q5.Why might an artist use a frame in a collage?
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Creating and refining an abstract collage, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Creating and refining an abstract collage, 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 Collage and Assemblage: sustainable materials unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.