The elements of art: composition
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and assemble composition techniques.
Key learning points
- Composition is the arrangement of the various art elements
- Different compositional rules help to create a focal point and lead a viewer around the image
- Magazines use composition to help draw the viewer in to a specific story, and are usually mainstream
- A zine is a self-published booklet that is often more experimental with designs and layouts
Keywords
Balance - a more even distribution of visual elements
Composition - how elements are positioned, aligned and arranged
Arrangement - the organisation and ordering of visual elements
Common misconception
Composition is only used in one way to express realistic images.
Composition is used by artists in many ways, and how composition is used can change across cultures.
Teacher tip
Create your own abstract zine to model to the pupils
Equipment
Scissors, glue and coloured papers/card.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which element of art refers to how things are arranged visually?
Q2.Fill in the gap: Composition is an element of ...
Q3.Another word for composition is .
Q4.A composition is made up of ...
Q5.True or false? Composition in art can only be used in flat 2D art such as paintings, drawings, zines etc.
Q6.Why is composition important in art?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.It can be easier to see composition more clearly when the visual artwork is in .
Q2.Match each term with its correct definition.
Guides the viewer's eye to a specific part of the composition.
A natural curve, inspired by the Fibonacci sequence.
A horizontal and vertical shape dominate the composition.
This often follows curves that recede into the distance.
Main shapes are angled across the image.
Image is divided equally into 3 parts, vertically and horizontally.
Q3.What type of composition is this?
Q4.The golden spiral composition is also referred to as ...
Q5.A zine (from magazine) is a ...
Q6.‘The Golden Ratio/spiral' or ‘Fibonacci sequence’ is a composition that occurs in nature. It reflects the rate and pattern in which many things grow including ...
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: The elements of art: composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: The elements of art: composition, 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 The elements of art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.