Exploring portraits through 3D
I can manipulate clay to model 3D portraits.
Exploring portraits through 3D
I can manipulate clay to model 3D portraits.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Depicting a person in 3D has been done for hundreds of years using materials such as marble, clay and stone.
- Clay is a malleable material and has been used by artists to create portrait forms.
- Clay can be used in many ways and an artist's style can be seen through how they manipulate the clay.
Keywords
Depict - to show or represent something in a picture, drawing, or description.
Sculpture - a work of art that can be seen in the round, is three dimensional or as a relief.
Contour - the outline or shape of something, especially the curves of a surface.
Modelling - the process of shaping and forming clay, often by hand.
Common misconception
Only large, figurative sculptures are considered 3D portraits.
3D portraits can be created in various sizes and forms, not just large figurative sculptures. They can include small, detailed works or abstract representations.
To help you plan your year 9 art and design lesson on: Exploring portraits through 3D, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 art and design lesson on: Exploring portraits through 3D, 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 Identity: exploring portraiture unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Pencil, clay, parchment paper (so that clay does not stick to the table)
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Moulding and shaping into various forms
Refining details, textures and adding precision
Shaping clay by hand or using tools to form figures or shape
Creating detailed 3D forms with intricate features and texture
Exit quiz
6 Questions
A three-dimensional work of art that can be viewed from all sides
To show or represent something in a picture, drawing, or description
The outline or shape of something, especially the curves of a surface
The process of shaping and forming clay, often by hand